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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Apr 2007

Vol. 636 No. 1

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 6, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 7 to 37, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 38 to 44, inclusive, answered orally.

Drug Abuse.

Seán Crowe

Question:

45 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the steps he has taken to address the explosion in cocaine abuse in Dublin and throughout the State in the past three years, and its effects on abusers of the drug, on abusers’ families and the communities they live in. [14966/07]

I have become increasingly aware of the concerns about the level of use of cocaine in Ireland over the past few years, broadly reflecting the increase in the availability and use of cocaine in Europe generally.

At my request, the National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD) and the National Drugs Strategy Team (NDST) recently prepared a joint briefing paper on cocaine, based on existing data in Ireland. The paper, "An Overview of Cocaine Use in Ireland", concluded that all data sources indicated an upward trend in cocaine use, albeit from a low base. The paper also highlights the extremely high risks associated with cocaine and the physical and mental health problems that arise from its use.

Cocaine is particularly dangerous when combined with alcohol and other substances and these messages on the real dangers associated with its use need to be highlighted. The social and economic harm also needs to be stressed, not only to the users of cocaine, but also to their families and to communities that bear the brunt of the behaviour of criminal activity associated with the supply and use of cocaine. I have repeatedly stressed the dangers associated with so-called "recreational" or "week-end" cocaine use and the glamorising of cocaine in some quarters.

A number of recommendations are made in the paper, principally in regard to treatment, but also covering supply, prevention and research.

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 cocaine specific clinics in areas where cocaine problems are more acute is being 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, I have funded six cocaine specific projects under the LDTF Emerging Needs Fund and support for a further nine projects aimed at polydrug/cocaine use under that Fund has been provided. All in all, funding of about €1.4m has been allocated to these projects.

Progress on the implementation of the recommendations of the briefing paper is being closely monitored by the Inter-departmental Group on Drugs, which I chair. In addition, the National Drugs Strategy Team, along with the Drug Task Forces, will continue to review the needs in communities.

Meanwhile, work on the second all-island Drugs Prevalence Survey is in progress and it is expected that preliminary results will be available in the latter part of this year. This will give much greater clarity on the overall prevalence of cocaine.

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.

Rural Transport Services.

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

46 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if the areas to be serviced by the proposed Nitelink buses have been chosen; the criteria used to select the areas; the amenities that will be serviced; and when the service will commence. [14989/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

48 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his proposals for rural transport; the expected sources of funding required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14983/07]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

49 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if the rural transport initiative will be expanded to allow for night time rural buses; if so, when this will be introduced; the money to be allocated for this purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12679/07]

Paddy McHugh

Question:

673 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress being made in relation to the introduction of the proposed night time rural public transport system; when the system will be in place; if north east Galway will be included in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15083/07]

Dinny McGinley

Question:

697 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when the expansion of late night public transport in rural areas, as earlier outlined by the him, will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15152/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 46, 48, 49, 673 and 697 together.

As the Deputies will be aware, in many rural areas, there are no public transport services at night. While there are, in the more developed rural areas, either hackney or taxi services, these are totally at the discretion of the providers of these services and do not provide a guaranteed service to rural people. I believe, therefore, that there is a need in rural Ireland for an evening transport service to allow rural people to fully participate in the various activities — community, sporting and social — that take place in their areas and to address the market failure that currently exists.

What I have in mind is that the new scheme will be additional to the existing Rural Transport Programme (RTP), run by the Department of Transport, and that a small number of areas will be selected to run it, over a 12 month pilot period.

In this context, the 34 groups currently delivering the RTP were invited by Pobal, who administer the RTP on behalf of the Department of Transport, to submit applications to be considered under the new scheme. Of those, 22 of the groups subsequently applied and the applications have been appraised having regard to such criteria as:

evidence of need;

strength of proposal;

capacity of the group;

value for money; and

geographical spread.

I hope to make an announcement on the half dozen or so pilot areas to be selected in the next week or two. The budget for the 2007 pilot will be of the order of €500,000 and I would expect the service to commence with a few weeks of the pilot areas being chosen.

All services will focus on maximising the general community good and I am, of course, conscious of the need to ensure that no displacement takes place of commercially viable existing services as a result of the introduction of the new scheme.

National Drugs Strategy.

Seán Ryan

Question:

47 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will publish the most recent six monthly Progress Report to the Cabinet sub-committee on social inclusion in regard to his Department’s overall responsibility for co-ordinating the implementation of the National Drugs Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15010/07]

My Department's report to the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion in October 2006 focused, in particular, on developments in regard to the following five issues:

1. Cocaine Briefing Paper

I outlined the findings of the Cocaine Briefing Paper which was jointly prepared, at my request, by the National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD) and the National Drug Strategy Team (NDST). This Briefing Paper was subsequently published last month. It contains 13 recommendations which are being followed up with the appropriate Departments and Agencies and monitored through the Inter-departmental Group on Drugs (IDG), which I chair.

2. Research Outcome Study in Ireland (ROSIE)

The ROSIE study evaluated the effectiveness of the treatment of heroin users, the key finding of which is that treatment works. Specifically the study found:

significant reductions in heroin and other drug use;

27% abstinent from all drugs after 1-year;

extensive reductions in drug injecting;

improvements in physical and mental health;

extensive reductions in criminal activity; and

increased contact with health and social care services.

3. Working Group on Drugs Rehabilitation

I provided an update on the progress of the Working Group on Drugs Rehabilitation. Subsequently, the Cabinet Committee approved the Report of the Working Group and I envisage that it will be published in the coming weeks.

4. Progress on the Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund (YPFSF)

This Fund is aimed at the young people who are most at risk and it provides facilities, programmes and activities that are designed to provide an alternative to the dangers of drug misuse. Through the Fund, young people are offered positive pursuits (including sports and various recreational activities) that increase the potential for healthy lifestyles. Investment in the Fund has increased substantially over the last five years.

5. Drug Prevalence Survey 2006/07

I up-dated the Cabinet Committee on the position with respect to the all-island Drug Prevalence Survey 2006/07 for which fieldwork had just been initiated at that time. This fieldwork is expected to be completed shortly, with a first report of prevalence figures and trends becoming available in the latter part of the year.

Finally, the Deputy should note that reports to the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion are not published.

Questions Nos. 48 and 49 answered with Question No. 46.

Rural Development.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

50 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress made during the lifetime of the Government in regard to the achievement in rural Ireland of vibrant sustainable communities with the range of age, income, occupational groups essential to adapt to ongoing economic, social, cultural and environmental change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15012/07]

Emmet Stagg

Question:

66 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress made during the lifetime of this Government in regard to retaining the maximum number of rural households and family farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15013/07]

Jack Wall

Question:

71 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the contribution made by his Department in regard to individuals and families having a real choice as to whether to stay in, leave or move to rural Ireland on the basis of sufficient income and employment being available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15015/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

78 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his policy proposals in respect of rural development in the future; if this involves the cessation of existing schemes; the purpose of same; the expected impact on rural development in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14984/07]

Mary Upton

Question:

81 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which equity has been achieved in terms of opportunity between rural and urban communities and between communities in rural areas during the lifetime of this Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15014/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 50, 66, 71, 78 and 81 together.

Despite continuing urbanisation, Ireland is still a comparatively rural country. About 40% of the population continue to live in rural areas and while the rates of population growth over the past decade have been greater in urban than in rural areas, population growth in the regions has still been strong. There is little doubt, however, that in recent years, the rural economy has been undergoing rapid change. Rural areas will, therefore, need to continue to diversify and develop in the coming years to take account of the ongoing demographic, social and economic changes that impact on their communities.

One of the key goals of my Department is to promote and maintain living and working populations in rural areas by helping to foster sustainable and culturally vibrant communities. Since its establishment in 2002, my Department has been vigorously pursuing policies and programmes that seek to address the changing nature of rural communities, support their development and promote better regional balance.

The Rural Social Scheme (RSS), which I introduced in 2004, is particularly noteworthy in this context. The success of the Scheme is clearly evident from the fact that all available places have now been allocated. Participants work 19.5 hours per week. Significantly, the RSS has allowed people to supplement their farm income and yet remain involved in farming. In this way, many family farm incomes have remained viable, which I know the Deputies will appreciate is critical for the vitality of rural communities throughout the country. The RSS provides resources to maintain and improve local amenities and facilities in rural areas. Communities benefit from the skills and talents of local farmers and fisher persons, while the participants are provided with opportunities to improve existing skills, and develop new ones, as they perform valuable work in the community. Funding for the RSS for the period 2007-2013 is included in the new National Development Plan which clearly confirms the Government's continued and on-going commitment to the Scheme — and to rural communities — in the coming years.

Better infrastructure in rural areas means more people will live in them, taking pressure off the urban areas and in a completion of the circle, making the rural services more economically viable. The CLÁR (Ceantair Laga Ard Riachtanais) Programme supports physical, economic and social infrastructure in rural areas of special disadvantage across a variety of measures — such as electricity conversion, roads, water and sewerage, village, housing and schools enhancement, health, coastal and sports and community projects. CLÁR acts as a lever to elicit money from other sources through funding and co-funding arrangements with Government Departments, State Agencies and Local Authorities. In the years 2002 — 2006, €71m was spent on investments under the Programme with related public and private expenditure in the region of €61m. Over €18.6m is available for investment under the Programme in 2007.

Over 4,000 projects have been approved for funding in CLÁR areas from 2002 to date. Specific examples include more than 600 Class 111 roads assisted to the value of €9.6m and almost €19m spent on the improvement of Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) roads. Nearly 100 minor health projects and 660 schools playground projects have been approved since 2004. Just under €1.4m was provided to projects at Knock Airport. More than 345 water and sewerage projects have been approved since 2002. Many of these projects would not have gone ahead without CLÁR funding and in adding to the infrastructure of rural Ireland, I am sure the Deputies will agree that they have considerably improved the living conditions of rural communities.

It should also be noted that my Department has acted as the Managing Authority for the delivery of the two LEADER Programmes in Ireland for the 2000–06 round of structural funding, the Area Based Rural Development Initiative and the LEADER+ EU Initiative. The combined budget for the two EU co-funded Programmes of €150m was committed by the end of 2006 and full drawdown of all available expenditure is anticipated. Among the key achievements, to end December 2006, of the Programmes are the following:

No. of projects — 9,419;

No. of jobs created — 5,090;

No. of new enterprises assisted — 1,866; and

No. of persons trained — 59,711.

A new seven-year funding round commences this year under the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 and I have secured an almost three-fold increase in funding available for LEADER in that period. Key outside the farm gate measures will be targeted such as diversification into non-agricultural activities, support for business creation and development, encouragement of tourism activities, services for the economy and rural population, village renewal and development, and conservation and upgrading of the rural heritage.

The work being done by the Western Development Commission (WDC) is also of relevance. The WDC promotes economic and social development in counties Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon, Mayo, Galway and Clare through policy analysis and development, the promotion of regional initiatives and the operation of the Western Investment Fund.

One of the WDC's initiatives is the ‘Look West' promotion and advertising campaign which positions the West as an appealing place to live and work. It is aimed at people in and around the greater Dublin area who may consider moving to the West. The intention is to attract a broad range of people and skills to the western counties. The key message of the initiative is the excellent quality of life available in the western counties. Typically, people living in the West can enjoy shorter commuting times, lower house prices, more affordable childcare and other services and a rich and varied sporting and cultural life.

In addition, in the period 2002-2006, €17m was invested through the Western Investment Fund in 66 enterprises in the western region.

Furthermore, I see the area of countryside recreation and pursuits such as walking and cycling, in particular, as offering great potential for rural communities in the future. The development of countryside recreation will be a key part of the measures to be rolled out under the new Rural Development Programme.

The Local Development Social Inclusion Programme is also important in terms of supporting rural development. The programme has a particular focus on supporting people and communities suffering disadvantage and exclusion through a wide spectrum of locally promoted actions. Some €417m will be provided over the period 2007-2013 to support measures under the Programme in both urban and rural settings.

I would also like to briefly mention two other programmes run by my Department which, I believe, are of relevance. Firstly, under the Community Development Programme, the core costs of some 44 rural-based projects have been receiving, on average, just over €4 million annually from my Department to support their work. These projects provide a focal point for community activity within the local neighbourhoods.

Secondly, while the Community Services Programme is not a rural initiative per se, it aims to support the economic and social regeneration of local communities and to provide employment opportunities for the unemployed or other disadvantaged persons. Over 400 projects throughout the country are being funded.

I will also be announcing a new pilot night-time rural transport scheme in the next few weeks to allow rural people to fully participate in the various activities — community, sporting and social — that take place in rural areas in the evening.

Looking to the future, I believe that the signs are very encouraging for rural communities. As well as providing continued funding for the programmes operated by my Department, the National Development Plan (NDP) will — within the framework of other national policies and programmes — continue to assist in the social and economic development of rural areas through measures such as rural transport, non-national roads, rural water services, broadband and agriculture. Indeed, the Deputies should note that for the first time ever, a dedicated chapter on the development of the rural economy is included in the NDP. The implementation of the National Spatial Strategy over the coming years will, I believe, also have a significant impact on the development of rural communities.

Foclóir Gaeilge-Béarla.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

51 D’fhiafraigh Mr. O’Shea den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cén dul chun cinn atá déanta leis an bhfoclóir leictreonach Gaeilge-Béarla. [15018/07]

Tuigim ó Fhoras na Gaeilge gur ceapadh Bainisteoir Tionscadail i mí Feabhra agus go bhfuiltear ag obair go dícheallach ó shin chun an próiseas tairisceana do Chéim a Dó den tionscadal foclóra, mar aon leis na socruithe gaolmhara eile is gá a dhéanamh, a chur chun cinn. Chomh maith leis sin, tuigim go mbeidh post mar Eagarthóir Foclóireachta á fhógairt i gceann cúpla seachtain.

I measc na ngníomhartha eile atá beartaithe taobh istigh d'achar gairid, tá:

Dhá chúrsa san fhoclóireacht dhátheangach, ceann i mBéal Feirste agus ceann i gCorcaigh.

Forbairt bhreise ar Chorpas Náisiúnta na hÉireann.

Painéal de phearsanra cáilithe a chur le chéile.

Ach na gníomhartha seo a bheith i gcrích, beifear in ann luí isteach ar thiomsú ábhar an Fhoclóra fein, idir an leagan leictreonach agus an leagan clóite.

Anuas air sin, tá socruithe á ndéanamh maidir le leagan leictreonach d'Fhoclóir Béarla-Gaeilge Uí Dhónaill, a bheidh in oiriúint do chóras oibriúcháin Windows, a chur ar fáil ar dhlúthdhiosca. Táthar ag súil go mbeidh an obair a bhainfidh leis sin i gcrích faoi dheireadh an tsamhraidh agus go mbeidh an diosca WinGléacht le fáil sna siopaí faoi dheireadh na bliana.

Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

52 D’fhiafraigh Mr. O’Shea den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an mó Scéim faoi Acht na dTeangacha atá glactha aige anois; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [15019/07]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

720 D’fhiafraigh Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sé tar éis dréacht-scéim a lorg ó na heagraíochtaí iomchuí de réir Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003. [15367/07]

Tógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimh. 52 agus 720 le chéile.

Tá 50 scéim teanga, a chlúdaíonn 78 comhlacht poiblí — mo Roinn féin ina measc — daingnithe agam anois agus iad foilsithe. Tá gach ceann de na scéimeanna sin ar fáil ar shuíomh idirlín an Choimisinéir Teanga, www.coimisineir.ie. Lena chois sin, tá 68 dréacht-scéim eile, a chlúdaíonn 126 comhlacht poiblí, á n-ullmhú faoi láthair agus tá mo Roinnse ag plé leis na comhlachtaí poiblí atá i gceist d'fhonn an próiseas i ndáil leis na scéimeanna sin a chríochnú a luaithe agus is féidir.

Irish Language.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

53 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress he has made over the term of this Government to advance the use of the Irish language; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15006/07]

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

75 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the contribution his Department has made to increase the use of the Irish language countrywide; the level of success achieved in regard to achieving this aim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15009/07]

Dinny McGinley

Question:

696 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when there will be a long-term Irish language strategy here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15151/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 53, 75 and 696 together.

As I have previously indicated in response to similar questions in this House, a wide range of policies and initiatives in relation to the Irish language have been put in place in recent years. These initiatives include:

The enactment of the Official Languages Act in 2003, with all provisions of the Act in operation since 14 July 2006. To date 50 language schemes covering 78 public bodies have been confirmed by me and published. Both Dáil and Seanad Éireann have approved a draft of Regulations dealing with the use of the Irish and English languages by public bodies in pre-recorded oral announcements, on stationery and on signage, and I expect to be in a position to make these Regulations shortly.

The establishment of the Office of An Coimisinéir Teanga.

Securing the recognition of Irish as an official working language of the European Union with effect from 1 January 2007.

The publication by Government in December 2006 of its Statement on the Irish Language. This Statement provides for the development of a 20 year strategy for the language based on the objectives set out in the Statement. It is intended that the Statement, which the Taoiseach launched before Christmas, will be the foundation for practical action for supporting and promoting the Irish language, based on a modern approach and an integrated strategy. Work on development of this strategy has already commenced and submissions on the strategy are being invited from the public. As I already indicated, it is intended that the strategy will be developed over a two year period.

Achievement of significant advances in line with the recommendations in the Report of Coimisiún na Gaeltachta in 2002. A number of new initiatives continue to be implemented in Gaeltacht areas, including the development of public awareness measures aimed at the Gaeltacht community in particular, as well as the continuing roll-out of the language planning initiative. These practical measures continue to further consolidate the language.

Significant resources continue to be made available to support the work of Foras na Gaeilge on an all-island basis.

The continued provision of grants from Ciste na Gaeilge to foster and promote the Irish language. During 2006 four sub-funds were launched within the Ciste:

to fund Irish courses in 3rd level institutions abroad;

to support the Business Fund, which covers organisations such as Gael Taca, Gaillimh le Gaeilge and Tiobraid Árann ag Labhairt;

for Placenames Research Fund to provide bursaries to postgraduate students who select placenames as a subject for research; and

for the provision of Irish language DVDs for children.

I am satisfied that the measures outlined above, including the work of Foras na Gaeilge, Údarás na Gaeltachta and the various groups funded from Ciste na Gaeilge, have helped to increase the number of people who are able to speak the Irish language countrywide, as demonstrated in the Census returns. They also help to foster significant goodwill towards the Irish language.

Drug Abuse.

Seán Crowe

Question:

54 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the steps he will take to address the growing heroin problem in Ballyfermot, Dublin, and the lack of a strategy to address the rehabilitative needs of addicts or recovering addicts in the Dublin 10 area. [14965/07]

To date, under the National Drugs Strategy, my Department has made substantial funding available to Ballyfermot Local Drugs Task Force (LDTF) and this will continue in 2007, with nearly €1.5m being allocated. It is estimated that in the region of 40% of the projects being supported by the Task Force have a rehabilitative focus, much of this relating to heroin.

In total, the Ballyfermot area has received nearly €17m to address the problems of drugs misuse through the LDTF process and the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund.

In this context, I am delighted to inform the Deputy that I have in recent days approved expenditure of €500,000 under the Premises Initiative towards the refurbishment of the premises of Ballyfermot STAR Education & Training Programme (Realt Nua), located in Park West Industrial Estate. Currently Ballyfermot STAR organises a Community Employment Education and Training Programme for 25 people in recovery from drug misuse from the Dublin 10 and Chapelizod catchment areas. With the new capital funding, the project will be in a position to cater for an extra 25 people. This will involve people from Ballyfermot who are not, as yet, on a methadone treatment programme.

I understand that the Addiction Services of the HSE are currently planning the development of an Addiction Centre to provide a range of services to the communities of Clondalkin and Lucan. This service will address waiting lists in Ballyfermot by reducing the numbers of people from Clondalkin who are currently in receipt of treatment in Ballyfermot. In addition to this, I understand that the Addiction Services are in negotiation with two community projects in Ballyfermot for the provision of two prescribing clinics with a view to addressing the waiting lists in the shorter term, while the Clondalkin facility is under construction.

The Deputy should also note that the Report of the Working Group on Drug Rehabilitation is expected to be published in the next few weeks. The key recommendations focus on providing a continuum of care for clients through planned progression paths for each problem drug user, while ensuring that quality standards are achieved in the services provided. The Report also looks at the wider supports needed by recovering problem drug users in areas such as involvement in community employment schemes and support with progression to employment, educational supports, housing and childcare, while recognising the need to involve the families of problem drug users in the process.

Finally, with regard to the extent and trends in problem drug use, comprehensive data will start to become available from the second all-island Drug Prevalence Survey, the fieldwork for which is nearing completion, in the latter part of this year. With respect to heroin misuse in particular, a further national study is being commissioned by the National Advisory Committee on Drugs and it is expected that the results of this will be available early in 2008. These surveys will give us a much clearer view of current drug misuse in Ireland.

Irish Language.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

55 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the funding made available by his Department for the teaching of Irish in educational institutions abroad; the amount of money allocated; the colleges and institutions to which money was given; the effectiveness of such programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15001/07]

In September 2005 I announced that a new fund would be made available from my Department to promote the teaching of Irish at third level overseas. Funding of €1 million over a 3-year period from Ciste na Gaeilge was allocated to this scheme.

Since the beginning of this scheme, grants have been approved for the following institutions and programmes:

Daltaí na Gaeilge, Washington, USA

Fealsún — Teagasc Gaeilge do Thosaitheoirí, Missouri, USA

Catholic University, Lublin, Poland

University of Cambridge, England

University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA

SKSK, Konigswater, Germany

Glucksman Ireland House, New York University, USA

Newman College of Aston, Philadelphia, USA

The Centre for Canadian Irish Studies, Concordia, Montreal, Canada

Rennes 2, University of Brittany, France

University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA

Boston College, Boston, USA

University of St. Thomas, Minnesota, USA

University of St. Thomas, Texas, USA

North American Association for Celtic Language Teachers, Ontario, Canada

University of Bonn, Germany

Freiburg University, Germany

Dusseldorf University, Germany

Ruhr University, Bochum, Germany

Marburg University, Germany

University of Liverpool, England

Cardiff University, Wales

Ionad an Léinn Éireannaigh, Karlova University, Prague, Czech Republic

Szeged University, Hungary

Karoli Gaspar University, Budapest, Hungary

University of Wales, Aberswtwyth, Wales

Irish College, Paris, France

University of Oslo, Norway

Institiúd na hÉireann, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

Universitat Mannheim, Germany

Institiúid an Léinn Ghael-Mheiriceánaigh (Lehman), New York, USA

Humboldt — Scoil an Léinn Cheiltigh, Berlin, Germany

Wisconsin University, Milwaukee, USA

Ducis-Dalarna University, Denmark

I am satisfied that this is a worthwhile initiative, which promotes Ireland and our language and culture in a positive way abroad. The availability of this funding has increased awareness of the language in third level institutions and will lead to development of enhanced links between Ireland and the countries of these institutions with positive long-term impacts on the language.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

56 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he questioned the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government on the implementation of the Water Services Bill which provides a licensing system in order that group water schemes are checked regularly and meet water quality standards in view of the fact that his Department regularly dispenses funding under the CLÁR programme for group water schemes. [14990/07]

Eamon Ryan

Question:

62 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if there is an environmental quality standard criteria used for grant allocations given to group water schemes under the CLÁR programme. [14991/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 56 and 62 together.

Under the CLÁR Programme, Group Water Schemes are selected by the Local Authority on foot of applications received from local groups. Applications are then forwarded to my Department if the cost of the scheme is such that additional funding is required. The CLÁR Section of my Department, on a case-by-case basis, refers schemes to the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government (D/EHLG), as warranted, after examination. My Department does not set environmental quality standard criteria, as all applications must meet the criteria set by the County Councils and the D/EHLG.

In addition, CLÁR provides funding for Group Water Schemes participating in Bundled DBO projects for the provision of new water treatment and disinfection plants. The local authority selects the schemes.

Community and Voluntary Sector.

John Gormley

Question:

57 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his Department will be taking on the task of promoting the group insurance scheme currently open to members of local community and voluntary fora as has been recommended by the Taskforce on Active Citizenship. [14994/07]

The recommendations in the Taskforce Report and how best to implement them are under consideration. However, I am inclined to believe that it is a matter for the national network of C&V Fora to advance promoting the insurance scheme referred to by the Deputy. In this scenario, how the network might best be supported to carry out this task will require further thought and no doubt will be considered also by the new Active Citizenship Office.

Drug Abuse.

Martin Ferris

Question:

58 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the growth in crack cocaine and crystal meths abuse; and the steps he has taken to address this. [14967/07]

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

63 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on the spread of crack cocaine in urban Ireland; if his attention has been drawn to recent reports that crack cocaine could potentially spread to increasing numbers of cities and towns; the efforts he has made to combat the spread of crack cocaine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15000/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 58 and 63 together.

I am aware of the dangers that crack cocaine and crystal meth use can pose in terms of their potential to add hugely to the harm caused to individuals, families and communities.

However, I am informed by the Garda authorities that, while there has been an increase in the number of seizures of crack cocaine over the past two years or so, this represents a small proportion of the total number of cocaine seizures recorded annually. They further inform me that crystal meth is currently not a major feature of the Irish drugs market and that only very small quantities of the drug have been seized to date. Also, it is worth noting that in my visits to various Drugs Task Force areas in the past year or so, these drugs did not arise to any great extent in my discussions with community representatives and others on the nature of the drug problem in their areas.

At the same time, vigilance is necessary in regard to crack cocaine and crystal meth and the Garda Authorities have taken a number of measures to address the matter. In this context, I understand that the National Drugs Unit, as well as local drug units, conduct intelligence gathering on individuals and groups suspected of involvement in the sale and distribution of drugs such as these. There is also targeted patrolling by uniform and plain-clothes personnel of potential problem areas in order to detect and disrupt persons involved in such activity.

I am not aware of any specific studies on the use of crack cocaine being carried out in Ireland. The only available figures on prevalence come from the joint 2002/2003 Drug Prevalence Survey. That survey showed that the use of crack cocaine was very low at that time — 0.3% reported lifetime use; 0.1% reported use in the previous 12 months and there were no positive respondents in relation to last month use. However, a new Drug Prevalence Study is currently underway with fieldwork due to be completed in early May. Preliminary analysis will be done in the months following that, with the first report of national prevalence figures and trends expected in the latter part of 2007. This will give an up-to-date picture of overall problem drug use in Ireland.

In addition, I understand that funding has been provided by the Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform for a study into the nature and extent of crack cocaine use in Dublin. A researcher has recently commenced work on this and it is hoped that the work will be completed early in 2008.

In relation to crystal meth, it is worth noting that the Drug Treatment Centre Board has not recorded any case of a person presenting for treatment in relation to its use. However, as it is used in the UK, the Gardaí are particularly aware of the risks involved and are closely monitoring the situation.

National Drugs Strategy.

Liz McManus

Question:

59 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on the recent report of the Working Group on Drug Rehabilitation, that represents the fifth pillar of the National Drugs Strategy; the main recommendations of this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15004/07]

Martin Ferris

Question:

60 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if consideration has been given to increasing the number of community employment places ringfenced as part of the rehabilitation strategy of the National Drugs Strategy, and to increasing the duration of the CE term to take account of the chaotic nature of the lives of many of the drug addicts when they begin CE and the damage caused to their rehabilitation programme if the stability CE brings to their lives is undermined by an arbitrary cut-off date. [14968/07]

Dinny McGinley

Question:

702 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress made by the working group on the rehabilitation tier of the National Drugs Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15159/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 59, 60 and 702 together.

The Report of the Working Group on Drugs Rehabilitation was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion last month. It is currently being printed and it is envisaged that the report will be launched in the next few weeks.

The Working Group has taken a holistic view of rehabilitation and, while recognising the importance of clients being activated and prepared to fulfil their own role towards rehabilitation, it sees — as a key aim of the overall process — the empowering of recovering problem drug users so that they can re-engage with society in a manner consistent with their needs and expectations.

The key recommendations of the Report focus on:

an effective inter-agency approach (protocols, service level agreements, quality standards);

treatment facilities (in particular regarding detoxification);

community employment related; and

broader life issues including medical support, employment, access to education, housing, particular issues relating to the rehabilitation of offenders, childcare, the role of families in the rehabilitation process and research.

The Working Group acknowledged the contribution Community Employment (CE) is making to the drugs rehabilitation effort. They are recommending an increase from 1,000 to 1,300 in the number of drug-specific CE places, with increased focus on the educational and health requirements of participants. A pre-CE stabilisation initiative is also recommended.

An Teanga Ghaeilge.

Jack Wall

Question:

61 D’fhiafraigh Mr. Wall den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cad iad na cainteanna a bhí aige leis an gCoimisinéir Teanga mar gheall ar a Thuarascáil Bhliantúil don bhliain 2006. [15017/07]

Mar is eol don Teachta, tá an Coimisinéir Teanga neamhspleách i gcomhlíonadh a chuid feidhmeanna agus ní bheadh sé cóir go mbeadh plé idir an Aire agus an Coimisinéir maidir le hábhar a bheadh beartaithe ag an gCoimisinéir le haghaidh a Thuarascáil Bhliantúil. Tá dualgas reachtúil ar an gCoimisinéir, de réir alt 30 d'Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003, a Thuarascáil Bhliantúil a ullmhú agus a thabhairt don Aire, agus tá dualgas ar an Aire an tuarascáil sin a leagan faoi bhráid Thithe an Oireachtais.

Ar bhonn níos leithne, tig liom a dhearbhú go mbíonn teagmháil rialta idir mo Roinnse agus Oifig an Choimisinéara maidir le réimse leathan ábhar a bhaineann le feidhmiú an Achta.

Question No. 62 answered with QuestionNo. 56.
Question No. 63 answered with QuestionNo. 58.

Community Development.

Joe Costello

Question:

64 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will report on the operation of the RAPID scheme over the past 12 months; his views on whether more communities should be designated as RAPID areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14999/07]

The RAPID Programme aims to ensure that priority attention is given to tackling the spatial concentration of poverty and social exclusion within the 45 designated RAPID areas. In addition, RAPID priority status was extended to Ballyfermot in 2006. My Department, with the support of Pobal, has overall responsibility for the co-ordination of the RAPID programme. It is a matter for each Department to respond to issues of funding within their area of responsibility.

The House will be aware that I introduced the RAPID Leverage Schemes in 2004. Under these schemes, My Department directly funds schemes to provide playgrounds, improve traffic measures, improve health facilities, provide CCTV, support sporting organisations as well as improve local authority housing estates and flat complexes. Some €11m was committed to projects identified in co-operation with the local communities in 2006.

The evaluation of the programme published on 1 June last indicates that the experience of the RAPID Programme has been very positive in many areas. The evaluators concluded that substantial progress had been made in identifying the needs of disadvantaged communities and in implementing important local projects in response to those needs. The evaluator stated that the leverage schemes appear to have secured a greater ‘buy-in' from local stakeholders and were facilitating further activity at local level. The report also identifies strengths and weaknesses of the Programme and proposes 25 recommendations. Work on advancing the implementation of these recommendations commenced in 2006 and is continuing; these include, enhanced monitoring structures, the adoption of annual work programmes, and improved corporate and business planning in agencies to prioritise RAPID areas for investment.

The RAPID Area Implementation Team (AIT) structure has allowed for effective engagements with the local communities and provided community representatives with greater opportunities to work with the local authorities and statutory agencies in identifying the problems that affect their areas. Matters requiring attention have been identified and prioritised for funding. There is widespread agreement that local consultation has played a key role in supporting statutory agencies in developing appropriate responses. Community representatives are supported to work in their immediate neighbourhoods to ensure deeper and wider involvement of the community with RAPID and the statutory agencies.

It is my strong view that we should build on the successes of the RAPID programme as shown through the community participation and local buy-in achieved to-date. I believe that the achievements of the local structures established under RAPID should be acknowledged from both the physical transformation that has begun to take shape in RAPID areas and the improved levels of community involvement and confidence in the process. I believe that the AITs provide a solid basis for moving forward with the programme.

As I have previously indicated I have no plans at present to further extend the areas covered by the RAPID Programme.

Departmental Funding.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

65 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his Department will be introducing an initiative to help community and voluntary organisations to meet compliance costs and ensuring these costs are proportionate as recommended by the Taskforce on Active Citizenship. [14995/07]

The Department's existing White Paper Grants Schemes provide for the core costs of applicant organisations. This includes provision for compliance costs, such as audit or governance requirements. Similarly the Department provides core funding to Partnership Companies, Community Development Projects, LEADER Groups, Community Services Projects, Rural Social Scheme Projects etc., which includes provision of funding to cover compliance costs.

I hope to be in a position to announce the follow-on to the existing white paper support programmes shortly. Separately the wider implementation of the Taskforce Report on Citizenship falls for consideration. Following Government decision, an Active Citizenship Office is being established to lead implementation of the Taskforce recommendations.

Question No. 66 answered with QuestionNo. 50.

Countryside Access.

Joan Burton

Question:

67 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his proposals arising from the report of Comhairle na Tuaithe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15016/07]

Dinny McGinley

Question:

695 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress made with the development of a country walkways strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15150/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 67 and 695 together.

Comhairle na Tuaithe presented its report on a National Countryside Recreation Strategy to me in September 2006. The Strategy defines the scope and vision for countryside recreation and it sets out the broad principles under which sustainable countryside recreation can be managed into the future. It also sets out the tasks that should be undertaken to achieve this vision and recommends the actions needed to be taken and by which bodies.

Following my consideration of the report, I have taken a number of actions. Firstly, I have reached agreement with Fáilte Ireland and the National Trails Office regarding the employment of 11 Trail Managers. Their role will be to promote walking tourism in areas where there are clusters of suitable, accessible walks.

Secondly, my Department in consultation with the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, Fáilte Ireland, Comhar LEADER na hÉireann and the National Way Marked Ways Advisory Committee, are identifying a further 30 looped walks and Way Marked ways for development in 2007. Fáilte Ireland has informed me that 15 of these will be underway by June 2007 and I have set aside funding of €1.5m in 2007 for this purpose. In this context, the Deputies should note that 14 looped walks have already been developed with the assistance of the Rural Social Scheme and my Department.

Thirdly, my Department is actively pursuing the possibility of using former railway infrastructure as recreational trails for walking, cycling etc. with the Department of Transport and Iarnród Éireann. Officials from my Department have met with representatives of Iarnród Éireann and CIE to discuss the possibility of using disused railway infrastructure around the country for recreational development as walkways, cycle paths etc. They confirmed that the only line abandoned and definitely available for development is Tralee to Limerick.

Meetings are also taking place with Comhar LEADER na hÉireann, which represents the LEADER companies to discuss with them the proposal for the use of abandoned railway lines.

Separately, discussions are continuing with Coillte and Bord na Móna to discuss the possibility of expanding the use of their lands for recreational purposes and I will continue to progress this matter.

Fourthly, to ensure that a number of legal issues are addressed as a matter of priority, I have established an expert group, comprising a Senior Counsel and officials from the Office of the Attorney General, the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and my own Department. I have asked the group to report back to me by the end of this month.

Finally, meetings have been held with the interested groups to discuss ways of moving forward with the implementation of the Strategy. However, I want to make it clear that payment for access is not under discussion. What is being sought is a payment for the maintenance of specific walks throughout the country and I am fully in agreement that there should be no cost burden on farmers from the maintenance of permissive ways open to the public at no charge.

I recently attended a meeting with Comhairle na Tuaithe and my Department has drafted proposals in relation to the development and maintenance of both new and existing waymarked ways and looped walks which was circulated for observations to the members of Comhairle na Tuaithe in the last few days.

My view continues to be that a local community-based approach is the best way forward where issues of access to the countryside arise. Where it is not possible to reach agreement, in a particular location, alternative routes should be explored and developed so that landowners' rights over access to their lands are not interfered with.

Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

68 D’fhiafraigh Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an gcreideann sé go bhfuil tábhacht mhór phoiblí le léarscáil Shuirbhéireacht an Ordanáis, faoi fhorálacha Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003, Cuid 3, Alt 10 (e) agus Cuid 1, Alt 2; agus go bhfuil dualgas air dá réir impí ar an Aire Airgeadais an maoiniú cuí a chur ar fáil chun an léarscáil seo a bheith ar fáil sa dá theanga oifigiúla. [14964/07]

Ní fheictear dom go mbaineann na forálacha d'Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003 atá luaite ag an dTeachta le léarscáileanna de chuid na Suirbhéireachta Ordanáis. Dírím aird an Teachta, áfach, ar alt 34 den Acht sin.

Is fiú dom a lua freisin go bhfuil iarrtha agam ar Shuirbhéireacht Ordanáis na hÉireann dréacht-scéim teanga faoin Acht a ullmhú agus a sheoladh chugam le daingniú. Is cinnte go dtiocfaidh méadú ar líon na seirbhísí i nGaeilge a bheidh á soláthar ag Suirbhéireacht Ordanáis na hÉireann de thoradh na scéime sin, nuair a bheidh sí i bhfeidhm.

Oileáin Mhara.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

69 D’fhiafraigh Mr. McGinley den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil iarratas ina Roinn maidir le hoibreacha ar Oileán Ghabhla; cad iad na hoibreacha atá i gceist agus an gceadóidh sé deontais ina leith. [14981/07]

Tá iarratas faighte ag mo Roinnse le déanaí ar chúnamh le haghaidh na hoibreacha seo a leanas a dhéanamh ar Ghabhla:

síneadh a chur le Cé Thrá na mBláithín, balla cosanta a thógáil ar chúl na cé agus soilse sábháilteachta a chur ar fáil;

síneadh a chur le Cé Phort a' Chrainn agus balla cosanta a thógáil ar a cúl;

dramhaíl a thabhairt as an oileán; agus,

bóithre ar an oileán a fheabhsú chun go mbeidís feiliúnach do shiúlóirí.

Tá na hiarratais seo á meas faoi láthair i gcomhthéacs an airgid a bheidh ar fáil dom le caitheamh ar fhorbairt oileán i 2007/2008 agus na n-éileamh éagsúil ar an airgead sin.

An Teanga Ghaeilge.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

70 D’fhiafraigh Mr. Sargent den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an bhfoilseoidh sé láithreach an Staidéar Teangeolaíochta Gaeltachta. [14987/07]

Trevor Sargent

Question:

82 D’fhiafraigh Mr. Sargent den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cé na coinníollacha atá ann chun Gaeltacht agus Breac-Ghaeltacht a aithint. [14988/07]

Tá i gceist agam Ceisteanna Uimh. 70 agus 82 a thógáil le chéile.

Maidir leis an staidéar teangeolaíochta atá luaite ag an Teachta, faoi mar a chuir mé in iúl don Teach seo cheana, tá an obair ar an staidéar críochnaithe anois agus tuarascáil curtha ar fáil do mo Roinnse.

Mar is eol don Teachta, bhí an staidéar dírithe ar úsáid na Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht mar bhunús chun:

forbairt theangeolaíoch na Gaeltachta mar cheantar labhartha Gaeilge a threisiú; agus

athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar na limistéir oifigiúla Gaeltachta.

Tá socruithe idir lámha chun an tuarascáil a chur faoi bhráid an Rialtais chomh luath agus is féidir agus tá súil agam go bhfoilseofar í ina dhiaidh sin.

Maidir le teorainneacha na Gaeltachta, tuigfidh an Teachta gur faoi Ordú na Limistéar (Gaeltacht) 1956 a aithníodh ceantair áirithe a bheith sa Ghaeltacht. Cuireadh leis na teorainneacha sin trí huaire ó shin trí orduithe éagsúla. Tá míniú mar a leanas tugtha sa réamhrá leis na hOrduithe sin ar an gcúis gur bronnadh aitheantas Gaeltachta orthu:

‘De bhrí gur limistéir ar Gaeilgeoirí mórchuid de na daoine iontu nó limistéir ina n-aice sin ar dóigh leis an Rialtas gur cheart iad a áireamh sa Ghaeltacht d'fhonn an Ghaeilge a chaomhnú agus a leathnú mar ghnáthurlabhra na limistéar a shonraítear sa Sceideal a ghabhann leis an Ordú seo'.

Níl aon aitheantas tugtha do Bhreac-Ghaeltacht sna hOrduithe.

Question No. 71 answered with QuestionNo. 50.

Clár na dToghthóirí.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

72 D’fhiafraigh Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta ar chóir go mbeadh sráidaimneacha agus logaimneacha eile dátheangach ar a laghad i gClár na dToghthóirí agus an raibh aon teagmháil idir é féin, oifigigh a Roinne agus an tAire Comhshaoil nó oifigigh ón Roinn úd maidir leis an cheist seo. [14963/07]

Cé go mbíonn teagmháil rialta agam le mo chomhghleacaithe Rialtais, tuigfidh an Teachta nach bhfuil aon fhreagracht ormsa mar Aire i ndáil le Clár na dToghthóirí. Is gnó é seo a bhaineann leis an Roinn Comhshaoil, Oidhreachta agus Rialtais Áitiúil.

Drug Abuse.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

73 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the steps he has taken in the past four years to address the major challenges faced by the families of drug abusers who are incapable of rearing their own children, including steps to inform the grandparents or other relatives who are caring for such children of their rights and entitlements in this regard and the way to go about legally adopting, fostering or otherwise caring for their siblings' children. [14969/07]

The Deputy will appreciate that statutory responsibility for childcare, and issues relating to childcare, rests with the Office of the Minister for Children which oversees the provision of services relating to legally adopting, fostering or otherwise caring for children whose parents — whether for reasons relating to problem drug use or otherwise — are incapable of rearing their children. It is open to family members to engage with these services to seek appropriate information to facilitate the pursuit of the best option that takes into consideration the well-being of both the child/children and the parent(s).

I have long been of the opinion that families of problem drug users need to have appropriate, accessible and timely services available to help them cope with the problems they are facing. This issue is reflected in Action 108 of the National Drugs Strategy, which was recommended in the mid-term review of the Strategy in 2005. It seeks the active encouragement by the Drug Task Forces to prioritise the provision of family services in their areas and to support family support networks in their work in the area of information provision and assistance to local family support groups.

In this context, the Deputy should note that, since 2005, approximately €1.1 million has been allocated to 16 projects that have a family support aspect to their activities under the Emerging Needs Fund. Under the Regional Drug Task Force plans, 18 projects with strong family support elements have been allocated funding of €1.7 million for 2007. These additional funds augment the activities of a further 126 projects across all LDTF areas that have a family support dimension to their programmes.

I am also expecting to shortly receive a recommendation from the National Drugs Strategy Team for an increased role for the Family Support Network.

National Drugs Strategy.

Dan Boyle

Question:

74 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the adjustments to re-focus priorities and accelerate the roll out and implementation of the various key actions of the National Drugs Strategy that have been implemented on foot of the mid-term review. [14986/07]

Joe Sherlock

Question:

83 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress made to date in regard to the ten Regional Drug Task Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15011/07]

Dinny McGinley

Question:

700 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the targets and achievements reached by Regional Drugs Task Forces in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15157/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 74, 83 and 700 together.

The Report of the Steering Group on the Mid-term Review of the National Drugs Strategy was published in June 2005. The key conclusions of the Steering Group were that the aims and objectives of the Strategy were fundamentally sound and that progress was being made across the pillars. However, the Steering Group found that some adjustments were required in order to re-focus priorities and accelerate the roll out and implementation of the various key actions in the remaining period of the Strategy up to the end of 2008.

The Review found that 49 of the 100 actions had already been completed or were on-going tasks over the life of the Strategy; progress had been made on 45 other actions with more work underway to fully deliver them; and there were six actions upon which considerably more work was required. Also, the Steering Group's recommendations resulted in 17 of the Strategy's existing 100 actions being either amended or replaced, with a further 8 new actions being added.

Since then the Government has placed great emphasis on progressing all 108 Actions now included in the National Drugs Strategy across prevention, supply reduction, treatment, rehabilitation and research. While the implementation of the Actions is very challenging, I am confident that the momentum built up around the various initiatives will see them implemented within the Strategy timescale.

The 10 Regional Drug Task Forces (RDTFs), which cover all parts of the country not serviced by a Local Drugs Task Force, are charged with researching, developing, implementing and monitoring a co-ordinated response to illicit drug use in their areas. All RDTFs produced strategic plans for their regions and they are now in the process of implementing specific actions identified in those plans.

Considerable progress was made in 2006 when approximately €4.175m was expended by the RDTFs on around 90 projects. The projects involved range from prevention initiatives and work with youth to treatment services and out-reach work. I am happy to advise that I have doubled the amount available to the RDTFs for the roll-out of the action plans in 2007 and it is envisaged that funding will be increased on an incremental basis as required to achieve the full roll-out of the RDTF plans, currently estimated to cost €14.1m on an annual basis.

Overall, significant progress was made by the RDTFs in the implementation of their strategic plans and I know that they are continuing to build on this to achieve accelerated progress and increased impact.

Question No. 75 answered with QuestionNo. 53.

Irish Language.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

76 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will report on the operation of the Official Languages Act 2003 since it came into force; if he is satisfied with the implementation and effectiveness of the Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14998/07]

As I have outlined on a number of occasions in this House, considerable progress has been made to date in the implementation, on a phased basis, of the provisions of the Official Languages Act 2003.

A total of 50 schemes, which cover a total of 78 public bodies, including my own Department, have now been confirmed by me and published. All 50 schemes are available on the website of An Coimisinéir Teanga, www.coimisineir.ie. In addition, 68 draft schemes covering a total of 126 public bodies are currently in the course of preparation and my Department is currently in discussion with the public bodies concerned in relation to the completion of the process of drafting of these schemes.

All provisions of the Act are now in operation.

On 14 December 2006 both the Dáil and the Seanad approved a draft of Regulations dealing with the use of the Irish and English languages by public bodies in pre-recorded oral announcements, on stationery and on signage. My Department subsequently wrote to all public bodies covered by the Act in order to provide them with an opportunity to comment on the draft Regulations. I expect to be in a position to make the Regulations shortly.

Oifig Choimisinéir na dTeangacha Oifigiúla has been established. The Coimisinéir recently published his Annual Report for 2006.

In April 2006, I made Regulations that updated the list of public bodies covered under the Act.

I have made 10 Placenames Orders to date including An tOrdú Logainmneacha (Ceantair Ghaeltachta) 2004.

At my request, Foras na Gaeilge has developed an accreditation system for Irish language translators. To date 75 translators have achieved the required standard.

Having regard to the achievements I have just outlined, I am fully satisfied with the progress made to date in the implementation of the Act. I am also satisfied that the public bodies are able to fulfil their obligations under the Act and that they have accepted the challenge with a positive attitude and in the proper spirit. I should remind Deputies that each language scheme prepared by the public bodies under section 11 of the Act has been drawn up in the context of the resources — both in terms of finances and personnel — currently available or to be made available to bodies during the lifetime of each scheme. As I have stated from the beginning, while it will not be possible to achieve everything overnight, my main objective is that improvements in the range and quality of services available through Irish will be achieved over the lifetime of a number of schemes, subject to demand.

National Drugs Strategy.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

77 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the funding available for 2007 for the Ballyfermot Local Drug Task Forces’s Support for Childcare Fund which is administered by the Ballyfermot Advance Project has already been allocated; and if he will make additional funding available as a matter of urgency. [14970/07]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

681 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the funding available for 2007 for a fund (details supplied) has already been allocated; and if he will make additional funding available. [14564/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 681 together.

I understand that an application for additional funding has recently been made to the National Drugs Strategy Team (NDST) by the Project. I will consider any recommendation arising from this application if and when it is received in my Department from the NDST.

Question No. 78 answered with QuestionNo. 50.

Dormant Accounts Fund.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

79 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the organisations that have been allocated funding from the Dormant Accounts Fund since the start of 2007; the amount allocated on each occasion; the name and location of each organisation; the purpose of the funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15002/07]

To date in 2007, the Government has approved funding in the sum of €19.978m from the Dormant Accounts Fund to support over 1,600 groups as per the table below:

Funding Measures approved in 2007

Category

Applications Approved

Value of Approvals

€m

ICT Initiatives for Disadvantaged Young People

Social & Economic Disadvantage

39

2.347

Projects addressing Alcohol Related Harm

Social & Economic Disadvantage

18

1.062

Small scale Equipment Grants for Youth Clubs/Groups

Social & Economic Disadvantage

1,446

2.025

RAPID Ballyfermot Priority Projects

Social & Economic Disadvantage

10

0.300

Recreational and Personal Development Opportunities for Disadvantaged Young People

Social & Economic Disadvantage

51

1.123

Small scale Building/Building enhancements in Residential Care Units.

People with Disabilities

28

3.704

Transition from Residential Care Settings to Community Care Housing.

People with Disabilities

15

7.151

Aids and Appliances for People with physical and sensory Disabilities.

People with Disabilities

15

2.266

Summary Totals

1,622

19.978

Details of the projects which have been approved for funding under the various measures listed above, including amounts awarded and purpose of funding, are available on my Department's website at www.pobail.ie.

I should add that earlier today the Government approved funding of €10.34 million from the Dormant Accounts Fund to support nine jointly-funded flagship projects. In addition to the Dormant Accounts grants, these projects have managed to secure over €25.7 million from private, philanthropic and community sources. Details of these projects will be announced when the project promoters have been informed regarding the grant amounts and the specific conditions attaching to each grant. There are a number of projects remaining to be assessed under this funding measure and it is anticipated that further allocations from the Dormant Accounts Fund will be made in respect of projects which have substantial funding commitments from private, philanthropic and community sources when the assessment process has been fully completed.

Charities Regulation.

Joan Burton

Question:

80 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on the reform and the need for regulation of the charities sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14997/07]

The Government has recognised that Irish charity law is in need of modernisation. To address this, the Charities Bill 2007 was published on 12th April last. This draft legislation has been developed to ensure accountability and to protect against abuse of charitable status and fraud. It also aims to enhance public trust and confidence in charities and increase transparency in the sector.

Question No. 81 answered with QuestionNo. 50.
Question No. 82 answered with QuestionNo. 70.
Question No. 83 answered with QuestionNo. 74.

Gaeltacht Areas.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

84 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress he has made to promote and support the sustainable and inclusive development of Gaeltacht communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15005/07]

As the Deputy will be aware, my Department implements a range of schemes aimed at supporting the maintenance and strengthening of the Irish language as the principal language of both household and community in the Gaeltacht. These include Scéim Labhairt na Gaeilge, Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge (Gaeltacht Summer Colleges), Infrastructural Improvement Schemes, Gaeltacht Housing Grants, Gaeltacht Summer Camps, Language Assistants, Youth Sports Training, etc.

In addition, a number of new initiatives have also been undertaken, including:

community-based language planning;

the further development of third-level education provision through the medium of Irish in the Gaeltacht;

the commissioning of a comprehensive linguistic study of Irish language usage in the Gaeltacht; and

the implementation of a targeted language awareness campaign focused on intergenerational transmission of the Irish language.

A significant increase has been seen for a number of years now in my Department's Gaeltacht expenditure, in particular on infrastructure such as roads, piers, village renewal and community facilities, including community halls, summer colleges, sports and recreational facilities. By improving the infrastructure, these grants are aimed at improving the social, cultural and economic life of the Gaeltacht areas, as well as strengthening the Irish language as the community language within such areas.

In addition, Údarás na Gaeltachta, which is charged with developing the economy of the Gaeltacht and encouraging the preservation and extension of the Irish language as the principal means of communication in the Gaeltacht, promotes productive schemes of employment and supports community development initiatives throughout the Gaeltacht. Since the establishment of my Department in 2002, I have approved €227m in total in Exchequer funding to enable Údarás to achieve its objectives, and the benefits of this investment have been evident in the areas of job creation, community development and enterprise, and in the successes achieved across a range of projects based on the use of the resources in the Gaeltacht, including the Irish language.

Departmental Funding.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

85 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the funding provided by combat poverty to an organisation (details supplied) in County Donegal; if he is satisfied that the funding is used for the purpose intended and not for the promotion of a political party; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15372/07]

I understand that the organisation to which the Deputy refers has received funding of some €1.36m in total for 4 projects over a 10 year period through Border Action, an intermediary funding body under the Peace Programme comprising Pobal and Combat Poverty. While funding for a range of measures under the Peace Programme — including the measure under which the organisation in question was funded — is channelled from my Department through the Special EU Programmes Body, the assessment and approval of funding applications is carried out independently by Selection Committees established by Border Action for this purpose.

I understand that the funding in this case has been used to deliver a programme of information and advice, education and training, counselling and mentoring as a progression to employment and integration. I am also informed that the expenditure has been verified and audited in accordance with procedures required under EU Regulations.

Employment Statistics.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

86 Mr. Kehoe asked the Taoiseach the most recent figures for the number of persons working here with a breakdown of the figures in relation to the different sectors involved. [14425/07]

Statistics on sectoral employment are compiled from the Quarterly National Household Survey. The most recent information relates to the fourth quarter of 2006 (September to November). The information as requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table.

Persons aged 15 years and over in employment (ILO) classified by sex and NACE Economic Sector

'000

Economic sector (NACE Rev. 1)

Sep-Nov 04

Jun-Aug 05

Sep-Nov 05

Dec-Feb 06

Mar-May 06

Jun-Aug 06

Sep-Nov 06

Males

A-B

Agriculture, forestry and fishing

102.3

109.0

104.9

104.8

103.8

109.1

105.2

C-E

Other production industries

212.2

207.2

205.4

202.5

204.6

209.8

208.4

F

Construction

217.4

239.8

240.6

241.1

249.4

263.9

268.5

G

Wholesale and retail trade

134.6

142.1

141.5

143.5

143.7

147.7

146.8

H

Hotels and restaurants

45.7

50.5

48.0

49.1

49.7

50.5

48.6

I

Transport, storage and communication

90.5

91.2

91.9

91.3

91.8

97.7

89.8

J-K

Financial and other business services

123.0

130.4

130.5

136.4

136.2

134.7

141.5

L

Public administration and defence

46.7

50.0

50.2

51.3

51.5

49.8

52.0

M

Education

35.0

35.0

36.3

37.6

38.9

34.6

37.7

N

Health

33.4

32.8

32.5

33.7

34.9

38.1

35.0

O-Q

Other services

51.6

58.2

58.7

58.5

57.6

55.5

52.8

Total males

1,092.4

1,146.3

1,140.5

1,149.8

1,162.0

1,191.4

1,186.3

Females

A-B

Agriculture, forestry and fishing

10.2

10.6

10.4

10.7

10.7

12.5

10.7

C-E

Other production industries

88.9

87.4

82.8

82.5

83.9

86.8

83.6

F

Construction

10.0

12.2

12.5

12.7

13.3

13.9

13.2

G

Wholesale and retail trade

130.9

144.5

143.5

142.6

140.7

150.0

141.5

H

Hotels and restaurants

66.9

69.8

67.5

64.0

66.6

70.1

68.0

I

Transport, storage and communication

25.2

27.3

26.5

29.2

28.9

30.6

27.4

J-K

Financial and other business services

124.7

132.9

132.4

132.8

131.1

133.0

136.4

L

Public administration and defence

47.6

51.0

50.6

51.8

53.6

56.0

53.1

M

Education

83.5

84.8

91.5

95.3

96.7

89.2

101.9

N

Health

149.1

158.7

159.0

162.5

166.4

172.8

175.2

O-Q

Other services

64.7

64.2

63.4

64.2

63.0

66.9

68.8

Total females

801.7

843.5

840.1

848.3

855.0

881.8

879.8

All persons

A-B

Agriculture, forestry and fishing

112.5

119.6

115.3

115.5

114.5

121.7

115.8

C-E

Other production industries

301.1

294.6

288.2

285.0

288.5

296.6

292.1

F

Construction

227.4

252.1

253.2

253.8

262.7

277.8

281.6

G

Wholesale and retail trade

265.4

286.6

285.0

286.1

284.4

297.8

288.3

H

Hotels and restaurants

112.6

120.4

115.5

113.1

116.3

120.6

116.6

I

Transport, storage and communication

115.7

118.5

118.3

120.5

120.7

128.3

117.2

J-K

Financial and other business services

247.7

263.3

263.0

269.2

267.3

267.7

278.0

L

Public administration and defence

94.4

101.0

100.7

103.1

105.1

105.8

105.1

M

Education

118.5

119.8

127.9

132.8

135.6

123.7

139.6

N

Health

182.5

191.5

191.5

196.3

201.2

210.9

210.2

O-Q

Other services

116.3

122.4

122.1

122.8

120.6

122.4

121.6

Total persons

1,894.1

1,989.8

1,980.6

1,998.1

2,017.0

2,073.3

2,066.1

Decentralisation Programme.

Seán Ryan

Question:

87 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Taoiseach his views on whether the proposed transfer of staff from the Central Statistics Office in Swords, County Dublin to a city centre location is going against the principal of decentralisation; and if he will review the decision taken. [14737/07]

Additional staff were required for a six to nine month period to work on the processing of 2006 Census of Population in the CSO's Swords office. A number of these additional staff were drawn from the ranks of existing Dublin based Civil Servants on the understanding that they would be re-deployed within the Dublin area on completion of the Census work. These temporary arrangements were not part of the Decentralisation Programme.

Migrant Statistics.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

88 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach if there is a mechanism for collecting data regarding the various contributions made by immigrants here, including taxes and fees, volunteerism and local community participation, provision of caring services, and so on; if a report has been or will be provided showing that information; if not, if there are plans to collate such information; his views on putting in place resources to provide such information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15368/07]

The CSO have taken a number of steps to capture statistical information on the Non-Irish population in recent times. Nationality data is captured in a number of CSO surveys including the Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS), the EU-Survey on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC), the National Employment Survey (NES) and the Census of Population (COP). It is therefore possible to varying degrees to cross-classify the information captured in these surveys by nationality, and in particular that collected in the COP.

A range of issues including volunteerism and the provision of unpaid caring services were included in the most recent Census of Population and data will be published on a phased basis throughout 2007. Topics of a similar nature were also included in a module on Sports and Social Capital attached to the QNHS in the third quarter of 2006, data for which should be available later this year. Labour market estimates classified by nationality are being published on an ongoing basis in the quarterly QNHS release and analysis of earnings data by nationality will also be possible from the NES 2006.

Awards System.

Finian McGrath

Question:

89 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Taoiseach the position regarding a system for honouring Irish citizens for doing voluntary and community work. [14019/07]

A National Presidential Citizens Awards system was one of the recommendations contained in the Report of the Taskforce on Active Citizenship which I was pleased to launch on 28 March last. The Report was prepared following extensive consultation and research carried out by the Taskforce since its establishment in April 2006. Copies of the Report have been placed in the Oireachtas Library.

The Taskforce proposes the introduction of National Presidential Citizens Awards to recognise outstanding contributions to civic and community life. It is recommended that the awards be presented to a limited number of people selected by an independent process based on nominations by members of the public. Presentation of the Awards could act as a focal point for the Active Citizenship Week also proposed by the Taskforce.

The Government has accepted the recommendations of the Taskforce in principle and also agreed to establish a non-statutory Active Citizenship Office as proposed in the Report. This cross-departmental office will develop a three-year implementation plan for the recommendations in the report, in consultation with relevant stakeholders. An Implementation Steering Group, to be chaired by Mary Davis, will be established to oversee the work of the office.

Animal Welfare.

Michael Lowry

Question:

90 Mr. Lowry asked the Taoiseach if, in view of a recent Supreme Court decision (details supplied) an analysis has been carried out as to the impact this decision will have on all EU regulations transposed into Irish law by regulations since joining the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14034/07]

The advice of the Office of the Attorney General is that the judgment in this case relates to the Animal Remedies Act, 1993. Whether the judgment has implications for other legislation is under review. However, the case has no implications for the regulations made under the European Communities Act, 1972, or the related legislation recently passed by these Houses.

Departmental Staff.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

91 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Taoiseach the provisions that have been made to increase the resources of the Offices of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Chief Prosecution Solicitor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12967/07]

Following a detailed examination of increases in both the volume and complexity of the work of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, an additional 28 posts were sanctioned in January 2007. This increase brings the total authorised staffing complement of the Director's Office to 202. The necessary additional funding to meet the costs of these posts was added to the DPP's Vote for 2007.

The 28 posts sanctioned were to deal with a range of increases in work which had taken place. I understand that the Director is in communication with the Department of Finance and the Tánaiste with regard to further additional staff which will be required to implement recent Government initiatives in the criminal justice area.

The Director has been in touch with the Chairman of the Office of Public Works who is urgently seeking accommodation for the additional staff.

Ministerial Staff.

Phil Hogan

Question:

92 Mr. Hogan asked the Taoiseach the names, titles, duties and dates of appointment of each of the special advisers, political advisers, personal assistants and press officers appointed by him; the salary level of each appointee including payments in lieu of pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14211/07]

Under the direction of the Programme Manager, the primary function of the Special Advisers is to monitor, facilitate and help secure the achievement of Government objectives and to ensure effective coordination in the implementation of the Programme for Government. They are also tasked with giving me advice and keeping me informed on a wide range of issues, including business, financial, economic, political, administrative and media matters and performing such other functions as may be directed by me, from time to time.

Each of the Advisers liaises with a number of Departments and acts as a point of contact in my Office for Ministers and their Advisers. My Advisers attend meetings of Cabinet Committees and cross-departmental teams relevant to their responsibilities. They also liaise, on my behalf, with organisations and interest groups outside of Government. One Adviser, assigned to the Minister of State and Government Chief Whip, provides advice to the Minister of State and is monitoring, facilitating and securing the achievements of Government objectives that relate to the Department of the Taoiseach, as requested by the Minister of State.

In addition, a number of my Advisers have specific responsibilities in relation to speech drafting. My Programme Manager meets other Ministerial Advisers on a weekly basis. He monitors and reports to me on progress in implementing the Programme for Government.

The Government Press Secretary, together with the Press Officers, provide an information service on Government policy to the public through the national and international media on behalf of myself, my Department and the Government, together with promoting a co-ordinated approach to media matters across all Government Departments.

The central task of the Deputy Government Press Secretary/Head of Government Information Services (G.I.S.) is to assist the Government Press Secretary in communicating to the media the decisions of Government.

The Personal Assistants in my Department have a range of duties including providing administrative assistance in my Private and Constituency Offices, Protocol Division and Government Chief Whip's Office. One Personal Assistant (who is also based in my Department) is assigned to assist and provide administrative assistance to both the Programme Manager to the Tánaiste and the Deputy Government Press Secretary and Head of Government Information Services.

The following table outlines salary details and dates of appointment for the Special and Political Advisers, Personal Assistants and Press Officers currently working in my Department.

Name

Title

Date of Appointment

Annual Salary including pension contributions

Gerry Hickey

Programme Manager & Special Adviser

27.06.97

225,410.00

Gerard Howlin

Special Adviser

08.06.99

133,367.00*

Úna Claffey

Special Adviser

13.11.00

133,367.00*

Brian Murphy

Special Adviser

01.03.99

100,299.00

John Lahart

Special Adviser to the Minister of State & Government Chief Whip

29.09.04

87,202.00*

Pádraig Slyne

Special Adviser with Special responsibility for co-ordination between all Ministers of State

01.10.04

66,376.00*

John O’Brien

Programme Manager to the Tanaiste

03.11.06

166,093.00

Mandy Johnson

Government Press Secretary

06.06.02

133,367.00

Mark Costigan

Deputy Government Press Secretary and Head of G.I.S.

29.08.05

104,343.00

Seán Nolan

Personal Assistant

27.06.97

51,352.00

Yvonne Graham

Personal Assistant

02.05.00

51,352.00

Olive Melvin

Personal Assistant

27.06.97

56,999.00

Denise Kavanagh

Personal Assistant

28.06.97

56,999.00

Sarah McLoughlin

Personal Assistant

02.04.01

51,352.00

Harry Murphy

Personal Assistant to the Minister of State & Government Chief Whip

27.10.04

46,078.00

Tracey Young

Personal Secretary to the Minister of State & Government Chief Whip

29.09.04

44,235.59

Perpetua Brady

Personal Secretary

14.08.00

37,772.58

*These members of staff, who are not members of a civil service pension scheme, receive a contribution towards their pension fund which they arrange separately. All other staff are members of civil service pension schemes, for which separate superannuation arrangements are in place.

Industrial Relations.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

93 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Taoiseach the position in relation to the long running dispute involving the State solicitors; the steps being taken to resolve outstanding issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15118/07]

Following a meeting on Thursday, 19 April, agreement has now been reached with the State Solicitors Association. This follows intensive negotiations between the State parties and the Association. It is expected that local State Solicitors will sign the new contracts by the end of this week allowing for the service to transfer to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions as recommended in the Nally Report.

Legal Profession.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

94 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the way many solicitors and others qualifying in the legal field can fulfil their training in view of the lack of apprenticeships positions currently available nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14392/07]

Section 29 (as amended by substitution by section 44 of the Solicitors (Amendment) Act 1994) of the Solicitors Act 1954 provides that five years continuous practice as a solicitor is required before a solicitor may, with the written consent of the Law Society of Ireland, take on an apprentice. The Law Society has recently submitted a proposal to me to amend the legislation to reduce to four years the number of years post-qualification experience required before a solicitor can take on an apprentice. The effect would be a higher number of solicitor apprenticeship positions becoming available. The proposal is to deal with the matter in the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006 that is before the House.

Violence Against Women.

Jack Wall

Question:

95 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the proposals to or actions already made by him into research into violence against women, domestic violence and violence against ethnic women; the cost of such research; the decisions reached as a result of such research; the actions taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14923/07]

Funding has been made available by my Department for a number of key research projects in the last five years relating to violence against women, violence against ethnic women and domestic violence.

In 2005, the National Crime Council, which is funded by my Department, published, in association with the Economic and Social Research Institute, the first ever large-scale study undertaken to give an overview of the nature, extent and impact of domestic abuse against women and men in intimate partner relationships in Ireland. This major survey cost approximately €225,000. The results of this study have informed our understanding of the extent of the problem of domestic violence in Ireland.

In 2004 funding of €108,054 over a period of three years was provided to the Rape Crisis Network of Ireland for research into attrition rates in rape cases in Ireland. This study is approaching completion and will also inform future decision making.

An amount of €24,600 was granted to Women's Aid in November 2006 to research female domestic homicide. In examining the crime in the context of Irish society it will help identify where opportunities for effective intervention were originally missed and recognise the identifiable risk factors present in many such deaths.

The Women's Health Council have been awarded a research grant of €94,500 in December 2006 to examine the experience of ethnic minority women in Ireland in relation to violence. This research will inform future decision-making on provision of services to women from ethnic minorities,

In addition, and at a total cost of some €86,000, my Department has commissioned two separate evaluations of the perpetrator and other intervention programmes which it has been supporting. The outcomes of these evaluations have contributed to the recently announced decision on the establishment of a new Executive Office within the aegis of my Department to prevent domestic violence.

One of the tasks of the new Office, which will be called COSC — Irish Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, will be to commission further research into the causes and effects of domestic violence and violence against women. The Department is also supporting the establishment of a dedicated researcher post in the National Crime Council to develop a permanent research competence in the field of violence against women and draw down emerging international research on the topic.

Regulatory Reform.

Finian McGrath

Question:

96 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 170 of 6 March 2007, the position regarding the recommendations of the Law Reform Commission and wards of Court issue. [15142/07]

I refer the Deputy to my answer to Question No. 170 of 6 March 2007. The position remains the same other than to indicate that the necessary legislation is a commitment in the Government's Legislative Programme for the Summer Session as announced by the Chief Whip on 23 April 2007.

Community Policing Fora.

Dan Boyle

Question:

97 Mr. Boyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason the commitment to set up 14 community policing fora under the 2002 National Drugs Strategy has not been fulfilled; and his views on whether community policing is an essential part of the efforts to control the supply of drugs in local communities. [14985/07]

Currently funding is made available via the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs to a number of community policing fora which have been set up in the context of the Government's National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008.

The further establishment of community policing fora is being delivered in the context of the policy framework set out under the Garda Síochána Act 2005. This will ensure that such initiatives are developed in an appropriate, coherent and properly planned manner.

Under the 2005 Act, Joint Policing Committees (JPCs) are to be established in each of the local authority administrative areas throughout the State, which will bring together representatives from the local authority, Gardaí, public representatives (national and local) and representatives of the community and voluntary sector to discuss and make recommendations on matters affecting the policing of the area, including issues relating to drug misuse.

This is a significant new statutory arrangement with regard to how An Garda Síochána and local authorities will interact with elected representatives and representatives from local communities in relation to policing matters.

As the first phase towards implementation, the Government has established pilot JPCs (22) in the following areas: Fingal, Offaly and Wicklow County Councils; Dublin, Galway, Limerick and Waterford City Councils; Drogheda and Sligo Borough Councils; and Athy, Arklow, Ballinasloe, Birr, Bray, Edenderry, Greystones, Letterkenny, Mallow, Tralee, Tuam, Tullamore and Wicklow Town Councils.

In Dublin city, five sub-committees corresponding to the operational areas of the City Council are also being established. These are all, at this stage, up and running.

During 2007, an evaluation of the pilot phase will be undertaken with the intention that JPCs will be established in all local authority areas in early 2008 and committees will be put in place until the next local elections in 2009.

In conjunction with this, section 36 (2) (d) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 provides for the establishment of local policing fora by a JPC where they are deemed necessary.

Taking account of these provisions, priority will be given to establishing local policing fora in all Local Drugs Task Force areas and other areas experiencing problems of drug misuse.

This will be done in conjunction with the continued implementation of Action 11 of the National Drugs Strategy by An Garda Síochána.

All of this reflects the Government's strong view that community policing fora initiatives continue to play an important role in enhancing drug supply reduction measures being taken under our National Drugs Strategy.

Citizenship Applications.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

98 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to an application for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14104/07]

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 6 December 2004.

Processing of the application has commenced and the case file will be submitted to me for a decision in the near future. I will inform the Deputy and the person in question when I have reached a decision on the application.

Garda Investigations.

Joe Costello

Question:

99 Mr. Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will establish an independent inquiry into the death of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14114/07]

I refer the Deputy to my response to Parliamentary Question No. 196 of 04 May 2006. As the inquest into this tragic death is ongoing, the position as outlined in my previous reply remains unchanged.

Residency Permits.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

100 Ms C. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the case of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14115/07]

I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that a decision in the case of an application for Family Reunification by the person in question was issued on the 6th December 2006.

Visas were granted for the spouse and 4 minor children of the person in question and visa applications were refused for the mother and 5 adult siblings under Section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996.

A request to review the refusals was received from the person's legal representative. This matter is currently under consideration and a decision will issue in due course.

Collection Permits.

Finian McGrath

Question:

101 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will have a complaint (details supplied) treated with due attention and as a matter of urgency. [14116/07]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that on 9 December, 2006 two persons were observed collecting at the junction of Parnell Road and Dolphin Road in the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) South Division. When approached by Gardaí they produced a collection permit issued by the Chief Superintendent, Pearse Street Garda Station authorising a collection for charity in the DMR South Central Garda Division only. The location where the persons were collecting was outside this Garda Division and was not authorised by the Local Divisional Officer.

The collectors were advised that all collections must be authorised by a collection permit issued by the Chief Superintendent for the area and that each collector must be in possession of a written authorisation issued by the permit holder. One of the collectors produced a collection authorisation form signed by himself and not by the person to whom the permit was issued, while the second person produced an unsigned collection authorisation form. They were also advised that collecting at traffic lights after dark without torches and suitable fluorescent attire was importuning traffic.

The powers provided by section 20 of the Street and House to House Collections Act, 1962, which authorises members of An Garda Síochána in certain circumstances to take all the money collected in a collection and the collection box or other receptacle in which the money is contained and all badges, emblems and other tokens used in or in connection with the collection, were then exercised, and possession was taken of the collection boxes, which were unsealed, and the bibs.

I am further informed that the persons were advised of the Garda Station to which the members of An Garda Síochána were attached and it is understood that the persons called to both Sundrive Road and Crumlin Garda Stations, where the Member in Charge explained that under the provisions of the Street and House Collections Act 1962 the members of An Garda Síochána were entitled to seize the money boxes or receptacles and bibs and that these items would not be returned as there was a prosecution pending and the items were required as evidence.

Summonses for offences contrary to section 3 of the Street and House to House Collections Act 1962 of holding a collection without a permit and acting as a collector have been applied for in respect of both persons.

Garda Investigations.

Finian McGrath

Question:

102 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there is an investigation ongoing regarding the allegations that certain Gardaí are assisting a company (details supplied). [14117/07]

I can confirm that the Garda Commissioner has appointed a senior officer at Assistant Commissioner level to investigate these allegations and the Garda Síochána would welcome the receipt of any information that would assist the investigation.

Residency Permits.

Tom Hayes

Question:

103 Mr. Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an application for reunification submitted by a person (details supplied) will be decided, in respect of their parents. [14118/07]

The person in question made an application for Family Reunification under Section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996 on behalf of her parents in October 2006. This application is in the final stages of processing by my Department and a decision will issue in due course.

Registration of Title.

Pat Carey

Question:

104 Mr. Carey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 who has applied for the deeds of their house will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14126/07]

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

In order to be of assistance I forwarded the Deputy's query to the Authority for its attention and direct reply. I understand that a reply has already issued.

I would also like to refer the Deputy to my letter of 26 May, 2006 to members of the Oireachtas regarding a new service for TDs and Senators concerning the current status of applications of this type. As outlined in my letter, the service was introduced, inter alia, to provide a speedier and more cost effective alternative to submitting Parliamentary Questions.

Citizenship Applications.

Michael Ring

Question:

105 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when Irish citizenship by naturalisation will be approved for persons (details supplied) in County Mayo. [14135/07]

Applications for certificates of naturalisation from the persons referred to were received in the Citizenship section of my Department on 1 June 2005.

Section 15 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended, requires that an applicant must have had a period of one year's continuous residency in the State immediately before the date of the application and, during the eight years immediately preceding that period, have had a total residence in the State amounting to four years.

On examination of the applications, it was determined that the individuals concerned did not satisfy the above requirements. Letters informing them of this were issued in June 2005. The second named person subsequently forwarded documentation to show that she had since met the statutory requirements. Her application was accepted and was assigned its original reference number.

The first named individual made a new application for naturalisation which was received in the Citizenship section on 7 February 2006. On examination of this application it was determined that the person concerned now met the statutory requirements and his application was placed in chronological order.

Officials in Citizenship section are currently processing applications received in the latter half of 2004. There are approximately 2,000 applications to be dealt with before that of second named person and 5,500 applications before the first named person. It is likely, therefore, that further processing of the applications will commence in late 2007 and mid 2008 respectively. I will inform the Deputy and the persons in question when I have reached a decision on the applications.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

106 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to an application for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14145/07]

An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department on 7 December 2006.

Applications received in the latter half of 2004 are currently being processed and there are approximately 11,700 applications on hand to be dealt with before the person in question. These are generally dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. It is likely, therefore, that the application will be submitted to me for a decision by mid 2009.

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

Visa Applications.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

107 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a visa application for a person (details supplied) in County Carlow has been received by his Department; and when he expects to make a decision on same. [14150/07]

I am informed that the person concerned is currently resident in the State. I also understand that the Immigration Division of my Department has no record of having received an application from the person referred to by the Deputy, to regularise his immigration status in the State.

The person in question should contact the Immigration Division with details of his future intentions.

Residency Permits.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

108 Mr. Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a decision has been made in relation to the application for renewal of IBC/05 permission to remain in the State, granted on 15 February 2005, by a person (details supplied) in County Louth; if a decision has not been made, when it will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14180/07]

The application referred to by the Deputy was received in my Department on 2nd February, 2007. A decision in respect of the application was taken on 26th March, 2007. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the permission to remain for the person in question was renewed until 16th February, 2010.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

109 Mr. Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a decision has been made on the application for renewal of IBC/05 permission to remain in the State, granted on 15 February 2005, by a person (details supplied) in County Louth; if a decision has not been made, when it will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14181/07]

The application referred to by the Deputy was received in my Department on 2 February, 2007. A decision in respect of the application was taken on 26 March, 2007. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the permission to remain for the person in question was renewed until 16 February, 2010.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

110 Mr. Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; if, in view of the evidence, he will grant them permission to remain in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14182/07]

I refer the Deputy to my previous reply to Question No. 228 of 24 October, 2006. My Department is currently appealing a number of matters related to the IBC/05 scheme, including the issue of continuous residency, to the Supreme Court. These matters will be further considered in the light of the findings of the Court.

Citizenship Applications.

John Curran

Question:

111 Mr. Curran asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he expects to make a decision regarding applications for naturalisation by persons (details supplied) in County Dublin. [14194/07]

Applications for certificates of naturalisation were received in the Citizenship Section of my Department on 17 October 2005. Officials in that section are currently processing applications received in the latter half of 2004 and have approximately 3,800 applications on hand to be dealt with before those of the persons in question. These are generally dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. It is likely, therefore, that the applications will be submitted to me for a decision in early 2008. I will inform the Deputy and the persons concerned when I have reached a decision on the applications.

Ministerial Staff.

Phil Hogan

Question:

112 Mr. Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the names, titles, duties and dates of appointment of each of the special advisers, political advisers, personal assistants and press officers appointed by him; the salary level of each appointee including payments in lieu of pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14209/07]

The information as requested by the Deputy is as set out below:

Name

Title/Duties

Date Of Appointment

Salary

John O’Brien

Programme Manager

3/11/2006 – present

€122,590 – €140,385*

Sinead McSweeney

Special Adviser

07/06/02 –18/06/04

€74,466 – €91,841**

Cormac Lucey

Special Adviser

11/01/05 – present

€80,408 – €99,457**

Cathal Fitzgerald

Special Adviser

01/12/06 – present

€80,408 – €99,457**

Hugh Hardiman

Personal Assistant

01/08/02 – present

€43,445 – €55,147

Mary McCowan

Personal Secretary

06/08/02 – present

€28,523 – €47,039

*In addition to salary an acting allowance of €25,708 per annum is payable.

**Entitled to claim up to 11% of their total salary in lieu of pension.

Citizenship Applications.

Michael Ring

Question:

113 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will make a decision on applications for certificates of naturalisation from persons (details supplied) in County Mayo. [14214/07]

I refer the Deputy to my response to Parliamentary Question No 395 of 31 January 2007 regarding the second-named person. As I explained, the person in question did not satisfy the statutory residency conditions, as set out in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956 as amended. Consequently, she was deemed ineligible to apply at that time and her legal advisor was advised accordingly. I also advised the Deputy that provided the person in question had kept her permission to remain in the state up to date, she was eligible to lodge a new application. Officials in the Citizenship Section of my Department inform me that as of 16 March 2007, no such application has been received. An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the first-named person was received in October 2006. Applications received in the second half of 2004 are currently being processed and there are approximately 10,200 applications awaiting processing before that of the applicant. It is likely that the processing of this application will commence in mid-2009. I will inform the Deputy and the person concerned when a decision is made on this case.

Michael Noonan

Question:

114 Mr. Noonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on an application for naturalisation by a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14217/07]

An application for a certificate of naturalisation was received in the Citizenship section of my Department on 24 March 2005. Officials in that section are currently processing applications received in the latter half of 2004 and have approximately 1,200 applications on hand before that of the person concerned. These are generally dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. It is likely that the processing of this application will commence in the second half of this year. I will inform the Deputy and the person concerned when a decision is made on the case.

Juvenile Offenders.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

115 Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of behaviour warnings issued to people aged 12 to 18 since 1 March 2007; the number of cases where a good behaviour contract has been entered into following such a warning; the number of meetings held with young people, parents and the Garda under the anti-social behaviour provisions of the Criminal Justice Act 2006; the number of referrals to diversion under this Act; the number of anti-social behaviour warnings sought by the Garda in court or issued by the courts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14222/07]

There have been five Behaviour Warnings issued against children recorded by Gardaí under the Criminal Justice Act, 2006 for the month of March, 2007. There were no Good Behaviour Contracts entered into and no Behaviour Orders granted by the courts on application by the Garda Síochána for March 2007.

Visa Applications.

Pat Carey

Question:

116 Mr. Carey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on restoring, on humanitarian grounds, the visa waiver scheme which facilitated immediate clearance at Shannon Airport of children from Chernobyl coming to Ireland on short holidays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14224/07]

A number of years ago my Department introduced a scheme whereby the requirement to hold a valid visa prior to entering the State was waived for certain persons travelling from Belarus with the Chernobyl Children's Organisation for the purposes of visiting Ireland for a period of rest and/or recuperation. The groups involved were, at the time, limited in number and were well known to my Department. The number of groups seeking such visa exemptions has increased significantly and there are now between 35 and 40 groups. This practice worked well in the past but we found it necessary to re-evaluate the system for a number of reasons: The introduction of the Children's Act 2001 has placed extra obligations on all parties involved in the establishment of private foster care arrangements. Some, but not necessarily all, of the arrangements entered into between host families, the Chernobyl groups and the parents of the children involved, fall into the category "private foster care arrangements" as defined by the Department of Health and Children. Indeed officials of my Department met with officials of the Department of Health and Children on this matter to ensure consistency and agreement on the revised practices; The introduction of Carrier's Liability under Section 2.1 of the Immigration Act 2003 means that visa waiver letters are no longer an acceptable alternative to visa endorsements on passports; There are, unfortunately, indications that in certain cases children have not returned to Belarus on the agreed date. While my Department may not be directly responsible for the welfare of these children as such, we have an obligation to put into place a system that guarantees, in as much as it is possible, their safety. Were we to continue the practice of issuing visa waiver letters we could be in breach of the relevant legislation.

My Visa Office in the Irish Embassy in Moscow prioritises such applications. Ultimately our aim is to ensure the safety and welfare of the children who arrive into the care of this State and we are satisfied that the "one person, one visa" system for all is the best way forward in this regard. I would emphasise that the safety of the children concerned is the primary reason for the introduction of these revised practices. While I have no plans at this time to change current practices I am satisfied the Immigration Officials in Shannon will continue to facilitate such groups and make their arrival in this State as easy and simple as possible while insuring that immigration legislation is fully complied with.

Garda Training.

Denis Naughten

Question:

117 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will ensure that front line staff such as gardaí are provided with appropriate training to deal with domestic violence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14259/07]

I am informed by the Garda Authorities that domestic violence training is provided as part of the Continuous Professional Development to serving members of An Garda Síochána. The Student Probationer School provides extensive training to new members of An Garda Síochána. Continuous Professional Development (CPD) incorporated Domestic Violence on the 1997 Core Programme for all members of Garda and Sergeant rank after the Domestic Violence Act came into force in 1996. Furthermore, a policy document was issued to all members. The Core Continuous Professional Development Programme for 2006 contained a module on Sexual Crime, developed in consultation with the Rape Crisis Centre Counselling Network and covered some areas pertinent to Domestic Violence. The situation is kept under constant review by Continuous Professional Development. Student /Probationer School deals with the area of Domestic Violence in two study areas, namely Social & Psychological Studies and Legal & Policing Studies as set out hereunder.

Social and Psychological Studies provides the following training to Student and Probationer Gardaí at the Garda College: 1. Women's Aid organisation provides 5 hours training in relation to the victim's perspective. This involves 1 hour in a lecture theatre and 4 hours training in workshops with groups of 20-23 Student Gardaí. 2. A representative of the organisation Men Overcoming Violent Emotions (M.O.V.E) provides a one hour training programme to Student Gardaí on the methods of dealing with offenders in relation to Domestic Violence.1. AMEN, an organisation representing male victims of domestic violence provides a three hour training awareness programme from the perspective of male victims of domestic violence to Student Gardaí. 1. Social and Psychological Studies staff provide training to Phase III Student Gardaí, through development work and role-play scenarios which depict practical incidents that they may encounter relating to domestic violence. This role-play type training develops their skills and competencies in dealing with all aspects of domestic violence. Phase III Student Gardaí are assessed in conjunction with training provided by Legal & Policing Studies.

Legal and Policing Studies facilitate the following instruction in relation to Domestic Violence to Garda Students: Phase I Students are facilitated with instruction on offences committed within the family. While the majority of this training deals specifically with domestic violence, it is recognised that the subject cannot be dealt with in isolation and therefore elements of the training deal with the Children Act, 1908, Child Care, Act 1991 and the Children Act, 2001, where they are impacted by domestic violence issues. Phase III is conducted in a facilitative style in classrooms rather than lecture theatres for the most part. Taking into consideration the experience gained by Student Gardaí on Phase II, training is also provided which goes more in-depth into the procedures when dealing with Domestic Violence. Domestic Violence training is always under consideration by the Garda College. Close liaison is maintained with the various stakeholders to ensure that the training provided is current.

Proposed Legislation.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

118 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will introduce measures to have the UN protocol to prevent, suppress and punish trafficking of persons, particularly women and children, and the Council of Europe’s Convention on Actions Against Trafficking in Human Beings ratified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14304/07]

Brian O'Shea

Question:

119 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his legislative proposals in regard to human trafficking in order to prevent this human rights abuse, penalise those who engage in it, protect and rehabilitate those trafficked; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14305/07]

Jack Wall

Question:

127 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views in regard to submissions (details supplied); if his Department detected such tragedy here; if so, the action taken; the action he has taken through his contacts at EU or other such organisations; if the Government ratified all UN protocols in regard to the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14341/07]

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

205 Mr. Deenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will bring before Dáil Éireann as a matter of emergency the criminal law (trafficking in persons and sexual offences) Bill; if he will enshrine the rights of victims of human trafficking in the Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15041/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 118, 119, 127 and 205 together.

As I informed the House previously, the Government approved the drafting of the Criminal Law (Trafficking in Persons and Sexual Offences) Bill 2006 last July. It is at present being drafted in the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel. The Bill is criminal law legislation which will implement the criminal law aspects of EU, UN and Council of Europe instruments on trafficking by creating offences of recruiting, transporting, transferring to another person, harbouring or knowingly arranging or facilitating — (a) the entry into, travel within or departure from, the State of a person, or (b) the provision of accommodation or employment in the State for that person, for the purpose of that person's exploitation. The term "exploitation" in the Bill is defined as meaning sexual or labour exploitation or the removal of a person's organs for the purpose of transplanting into another person.

The UN Protocol to prevent and punish trafficking in persons, especially women and children, was signed by Ireland in December 2000 and the Government recently authorised the Minister for Foreign Affairs to arrange for the signing by Ireland of the Council of Europe Convention on action against trafficking in human beings. This was done on 13 April 2007. In addition, the forthcoming Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill, which is expected to be published shortly, will on enactment provide for a number of immigration related matters so as to comply with the relevant protection provisions in the Convention. In particular, in the context of the treatment of victims, the Bill will provide a framework whereby a victim of trafficking will be afforded an immediate period of recovery and reflection in the State and also, in circumstances where he or she wishes to participate in any criminal proceedings in the matter, a further period of residence in the State to enable him or her to do so. On enactment of these pieces of legislation, Ireland will be in a position to ratify the international instruments on trafficking. I am informed by the Garda authorities that they take a proactive approach and are ever vigilant to ensure that any allegations relating to the trafficking of women or children for sexual exploitation are vigorously investigated. In common with other EU countries, to date, all the indications are that, in Ireland, trafficking in human beings takes place on a much smaller scale than the facilitation of illegal immigration, i.e., smuggling of persons. Targeted Garda operations have been successful in disrupting trafficking activity.

Prisoner Transfers.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

120 Mr. Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in cases of prisoner repatriation to this State, are the remission rules a prisoner is subject to that of the sentencing State or remission regime of this State; if, in cases of life sentence does he consider the remission regime or release criteria applying contemporaneously in the sentencing State or if he is obliged to do so; if, in cases of repatriated life sentence prisoners, does he or must he consult with the sentencing State in relation to the release of the life sentence prisoner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14320/07]

I wish to advise the Deputy that the mechanism for enabling the transfer of sentenced prisoners is the Council of Europe Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. The legislative basis for the operation of the Convention in Ireland is the Transfer of Sentenced Persons Acts, 1995 and 1997. The sentences of prisoners transferring into Ireland under the Convention are administered under the "continued enforcement" procedure in accordance with Article 10 of the Convention. Article 6.2b of the Convention provides that the sentencing state shall furnish, to the administering state, a statement indicating how much of the sentence has already been served, including information on any pretrial detention, remission, and any other factor relevant to the enforcement of the sentence. My Department will take the relevant information provided by the sentencing state (including remission already earned) into account when determining the sentence which will be applicable in this jurisdiction if a transfer proceeds. I should add that prisoners are fully informed, in writing, of the consequences on the enforcement of their sentence when their formal consent to the transfer is being sought. Article 9.3 of the Convention provides that the enforcement of the sentence upon transfer, shall be governed by the law of the administering state (i.e. the receiving state). There is no obligation on the Minister to consult with the sentencing state regarding the administration of the sentence. Article 15 of the Convention does provide that the administering state shall furnish information concerning enforcement of the sentence to the sentencing state in certain circumstances, including when it considers enforcement of the sentence to have been completed or if the sentencing state requests a special report.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

121 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the distress, anxiety and hardship being suffered in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 whose child has many serious special needs; if he will use his discretionary powers to offer temporary residency status entitling them to travel documentation or green card with a view to compliance with requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14329/07]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Questions No. 131 of Thursday, 29 March, 2007 (ref:12220/07), No. 131 of on Thursday, 8 March, 2007 (ref: 9372/07), No. 173 of Wednesday, 6 December, 2006 (ref: 42010/06) and No. 158 of Thursday, 11 May, 2006 (ref: 17811/06) and the written replies to those Questions. The position is unchanged.

Visa Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

122 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason visa applications were refused in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; if this application will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14330/07]

I refer the Deputy to my answer to Parliamentary Question 313 of 31 January, 2007. As the requested additional documentation was not received by my Department the visa applications were processed and refused. The decision of the Visa Officer to refuse these applications was taken on 7 March, 2007. The applications were refused because the Visa Officer could not be satisfied, on the basis of the documentation supplied, the reference could financially support the applicants. In addition it was considered that the granting of the visas could result in a cost to public funds and public resources. To date, no appeal in respect of these applications has been received. All appeals must be submitted within two months of the initial refusal decision.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

123 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, as is provided for, he will accede to a request to him by a person (details supplied) in County Offaly to grant permission to resubmit an application for residency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14331/07]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Questions No. 109 of Thursday, 1 March, 2007 (ref: 8219/07), No. 378 of Wednesday, 31 January, 2007 (ref: 2172/07), No. 140 of Thursday, 19 October, 2006 (ref: 33847/06), and No. 358 of Wednesday, 27 September, 2006 (ref: 29160/06) and the written replies to those Questions. The position is unchanged.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

124 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to the application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14332/07]

I refer the deputy to my previous reply of 29 March 2007 in relation to the person in question. The position remains unchanged.

Citizenship Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

125 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position on an application for citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14333/07]

The person referred to in the Deputy's question applied for a certificate of naturalisation in January 2004 and I decided to refuse the application. The reasons for my decision were disclosed to the individual concerned in a letter dated 1 December 2006. It is open to the person concerned to submit a further application at any time provided he satisfies the relevant statutory conditions applicable at that time. In doing so, however, he should give due regard to my reasons for refusing the previous application.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

126 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 228 of 17 October 2006, who the adoption society were; the information that suggests that the parents had ceded parental responsibility; the reason they say there is no evidence of this; when it is expected a response will be received from the Attorney General’s office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14334/07]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 228 of 17 October, 2006. As I advised the Deputy at the time, while there is information on file to the effect that the child's natural parents had ceded responsibility to a UK based adoption society ( the name of which is unknown ), there is no direct evidence from the parents or adoption society to support that contention. The information on file is contained in a submission dated 8 December, 1962 to the then Minister. A copy of the said submission was supplied to the individual concerned in June, 2003. Advice has been received from the Office of the Attorney General in this case. My Department is satisfied that the granting of citizenship to the person concerned was done entirely in good faith and with the best possible intentions. Solicitor's representing the individual were advised accordingly on 5 December, 2006.

Question No. 127 answered with QuestionNo. 118.

John Perry

Question:

128 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on an application for naturalisation by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14346/07]

An application for a certificate of naturalisation was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department on 8 February 2007. Officials in that section are currently processing applications received in the latter half of 2004 and have approximately 13,100 applications on hand to be dealt with before that of the person in question. These are generally dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. It is likely, therefore, that further processing of the application will commence in late 2009. I will inform the Deputy and the applicant when a decision has been taken in the matter.

Registration of Title.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

129 Mr. Gogarty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the timeframe for the resolution of the land ownership issue regarding land (details supplied) in County Dublin, which is being dealt with by the State Solicitor’s office, in view of the fact that this area is subject to frequent graffiti and that the local authority is willing to allocate a small piece of land to the owner to fence off and prevent graffiti and vandalism at this location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14353/07]

As the Deputy will be aware, under the provisions of the Registration of Deeds and Title Act 2006, the Property Registration Authority was established as and from 4 November, 2006. The Property Registration Authority replaces the Registrar of Deeds and Titles as the registering authority in relation to property registration in Ireland and, subject to the above Act, is independent in the performance of its functions. In order to be of assistance I forwarded the Deputy's query to the Authority for its attention and direct reply. I understand that a reply has already issued. I would also like to refer the Deputy to my letter of 26 May, 2006 to members of the Oireachtas regarding a new service for T.D.s and Senators concerning the current status of applications of this type. As outlined in my letter, the service was introduced, inter alia, to provide a speedier and more cost effective alternative to submitting Parliamentary Questions.

Asylum Support Services.

John McGuinness

Question:

130 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a submission made by Dóchas, Kilkenny, on behalf of a number of residents of a hostel (details supplied) in County Kilkenny, who wish to remain in Kilkenny following the closure of the hostel will be given positive consideration by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14362/07]

The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department has a contract in place for the accommodation of asylum seekers at the Ormonde Hostel in Kilkenny until 9 May, 2007. After that time the premises will no longer be available for this purpose as the contractors have decided not to renew the contract. Obviously this decision is regrettable for the RIA but also for the residents of the centre who will have to be moved to alternative suitable accommodation. All State service providers (e.g., HSE, Department of Social and Family Affairs) have been advised of the closure of this centre so that they can prepare for the necessary adjustments to the provision of their services. In addition, the local support group, who have provided on-going support and assistance to the many residents who have resided at the centre since it first opened in December 2000, has also been advised of the closure. The Deputy will appreciate that the residents of this accommodation centre are involved in a process to determine the outcome of their claim for asylum in the State. Under a Government decision it was decided that all applicants for asylum would have their needs met through the system of direct provision. Direct provision is the means by which the State discharges its obligations to provide for the basic requirements of asylum seekers and represents, for the most part, a cashless system with suitable accommodation being provided on a full board basis.

In the event of a positive determination of refugee status, the residents will be free to reside in Kilkenny or anywhere else in the State. Officials from the Reception and Integration Agency visited the Ormonde Accommodation Centre to ascertain each resident's preference for alternative accommodation within the Reception and Integration accommodation portfolio. At this stage all residents have been made initial offers of alternative accommodation. Many of the residents have been offered their first accommodation preference and have taken up their new accommodation. All other residents will be moved by the date of closure on 9 May, 2007 and every effort will be made to facilitate their accommodation requests.

Registration of Title.

John Ellis

Question:

131 Mr. Ellis asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if maps will be issued for a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim. [14386/07]

As the Deputy will be aware, under the provisions of the Registration of Deeds and Title Act 2006, the Property Registration Authority was established as and from 4 November, 2006. The Property Registration Authority replaces the Registrar of Deeds and Titles as the registering authority in relation to property registration in Ireland and, subject to the above Act, is independent in the performance of its functions. In order to be of assistance I forwarded the Deputy's query to the Authority for its attention and direct reply. I understand that a reply has already issued. I would also like to refer the Deputy to my letter of 26 May, 2006 to members of the Oireachtas regarding a new service for T.D.s and Senators concerning the current status of applications of this type. As outlined in my letter, the service was introduced, inter alia, to provide a speedier and more cost effective alternative to submitting Parliamentary Questions.

Visa Applications.

Phil Hogan

Question:

132 Mr. Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review a decision in respect of a person (details supplied) seeking a tourist visa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14393/07]

The application referred to by the Deputy was received in the Dublin Visa Office on 24 November, 2006. It was refused by the Visa Officer on 7 December, 2006. The decision of the Visa Officer to refuse the application was upheld by an Appeals Officer on 13 February, 2007. As an applicant is entitled to one appeal only, no further review of the application can be undertaken. It is, however, open to the applicant to make a fresh application.

Citizenship Applications.

Phil Hogan

Question:

133 Mr. Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an application will be processed for a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14394/07]

An application for a certificate of naturalisation was received in the Citizenship section of my Department in June 2004. I understand that the case in question will be forwarded to me for a decision shortly and I will inform the Deputy and the person concerned when I have reached a decision on the matter.

Closed Circuit Television Systems.

Pat Breen

Question:

134 Mr. P. Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a closed circuit television system will be operational for Ennis, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14409/07]

I recently announced a major expansion of the Garda CCTV town centre scheme with over €7.5m provided in the Garda Vote for 2007 for CCTV projects. A total of 17 areas are included in the expansion and Ennis is one of these new locations. Installation is well underway in respect of three locations (Ballyfermot, Clondalkin and Tullamore) and the Garda authorities have issued a Request for Tender, with a closing date of today, 24 April 2007, for the installation of nine CCTV systems in Ennis, Castlebar, Drogheda, Kilkenny, Mullingar, Sligo, Tallaght, Portlaoise and Waterford. The responses received will be evaluated and it is anticipated, subject to appropriate contracts being put in place, that these systems will be installed in 2007. A further Request for Tenders will issue very shortly for the installation of Garda CCTV systems in respect of the remaining five locations: Athlone, Carlow, Clonmel, Dungarvan and Kinsale. These 17 schemes are in addition to garda systems already operational in areas such as Dublin city centre, Bray, Dundalk, Dún Laoghaire, Galway, Tralee and Limerick.

Missing Persons.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

135 Ms C. Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons reported missing who were later accounted for as having died in each year between 1999 and 2006; the number of those whose death was deemed to be the result of foul play; the number of those whose death was deemed to be the result of suicide; the average length of time that these persons were unaccounted for between the original missing persons report and their being located; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14421/07]

It has not been possible in the time available for the Garda authorities to supply the details requested by the Deputy. I will be in contact with the Deputy when the information is to hand.

Citizenship Applications.

Denis Naughten

Question:

136 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 499 of 30 May 2006, the position regarding an application; if he will expedite the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14439/07]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question Number 258 of 31 January 2007. The position remains as stated.

Denis Naughten

Question:

137 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 189 of 14 November, 2006, the position regarding an application; if he will expedite the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14440/07]

I informed the Deputy in response to Parliamentary Question No. 189 on 14 November 2006 that processing of the application of the person concerned would commence in the second half of 2008. The Deputy has not put forward any reasons why the matter should be expedited. Consequently, it is likely that processing of the application will commence in the second half of 2008.

Proposed Legislation.

John Perry

Question:

138 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will make a statement on correspondence (details supplied). [14468/07]

On 23 May 2006 the Supreme Court delivered its decision in the C.C. case in which it found that section 1(1) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 1935 was inconsistent with the Constitution. That section, and the related provisions in the Act, formed an essential part of the legal regime for the protection of children from sexual abuse. The immediate response of the Oireachtas was to enact the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2006 which was enacted on 2 June 2006. That Act restored a regime of protection of children against sexual abuse and modernised and brought up to date the law in that area. Also, because of the urgency of the legislation, there had been little opportunity to engage in a process of consultation or period of reflection which would be normal in the case of such significant legislation. Therefore, the Joint Committee on Child Protection was established by resolutions of both Houses of the Oireachtas to engage in such a process of consultation and to reflect on the issues involved. Among its terms of reference, the Committee was asked to consider the implications arising from the consequences of the Supreme Court decision in the C.C. case and to examine the desirability or otherwise of amending the Constitution to deal with the outcome of that case and/or provide for a general right of protection for children. The Committee issued its report to the Houses of the Oireachtas on 30 November 2006. The Government is committed to the Report of the Joint Committee on Child Protection and that commitment is reflected in the proposed amendment to the Constitution in the Twenty-Eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2007 presented by the Minister for Health and Children on 16 February 2007. This amendment, if passed by the people, will allow the Oireachtas to enact laws which will offer greater protection to children against sexual abuse by creating offences of absolute or strict liability. It has not been possible, given the time constraints, to debate the Twenty-Eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill in the Houses of the Oireachtas, where it was hoped all-party agreement on the issue could be achieved. Accordingly, the referendum cannot be held before the Autumn, which leaves adequate time for consultations and reflection on the wording of the constitutional amendment.

Violence Against Women.

John Perry

Question:

139 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will address the concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied); the directive he has issued to secure NDVIA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14469/07]

I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 67 of Wednesday 04 April 2007 (ref: 12934/07).

Registration of Title.

John Ellis

Question:

140 Mr. Ellis asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a case for a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim will be finalised. [14475/07]

As the Deputy will be aware, under the provisions of the Registration of Deeds and Title Act 2006, the Property Registration Authority was established as and from 4 November, 2006. The Property Registration Authority replaces the Registrar of Deeds and Titles as the registering authority in relation to property registration in Ireland and, subject to the above Act, is independent in the performance of its functions. In order to be of assistance I forwarded the Deputy's query to the Authority for its attention and direct reply. I understand that a reply has already issued. I would also like to refer the Deputy to my letter of 26 May, 2006 to members of the Oireachtas regarding a new service for T.D.s and Senators concerning the current status of applications of this type. As outlined in my letter, the service was introduced, inter alia, to provide a speedier and more cost effective alternative to submitting Parliamentary Questions.

Garda Operations.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

141 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost to date of the security operation in Ballinaboy, County Mayo to include all costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14501/07]

Jerry Cowley

Question:

142 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí deployed to Ballinaboy, County Mayo on a daily basis; the number of gardaí on stand-by on a daily basis in Ballinaboy, County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14502/07]

Jerry Cowley

Question:

143 Dr. Cowley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost of the security operations carried out by gardaí in Ballinaboy, that is the total cost of gardaí, including their basic salary, overtime, transport, subsistence and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14503/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 141 to 143, inclusive, together.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the total cost, including salaries, etc., of the policing arrangements at Ballinaboy, Co. Mayo, as of 17 April, 2007, was approximately €5.4 million. For security and operational reasons, it is not Garda policy and it would not be in the public interest to disclose detailed information of a kind that could potentially have an operational impact on policing arrangements, including numbers of Garda personnel deployed on an ongoing daily basis and/or on stand-by. The Garda Síochána is statutorily required to provide policing services for the State with the aim of preserving public order and protecting life and property. In this regard, Garda resources are allocated according to, inter alia, the assessed threat of breaches of the criminal law, so it is the latter which ultimately determines the associated costs.

Prison Building Programme.

David Stanton

Question:

144 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress on the proposed development of a prison at Kilworth, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14536/07]

The Department of Defence has consented to the assignment of land at Kilworth, County Cork to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform for the purposes of developing new prison facilities to replace Cork Prison. Technical advisers have been appointed to carry out a range of preliminary studies, e.g. topographical survey, geology, ecology etc. These studies are currently underway and are expected to be completed shortly.

Departmental Properties.

David Stanton

Question:

145 Mr. Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans for the future of Spike Island; the discussions he has had with other Departments on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14537/07]

I wish to inform the deputy that plans for the future of Spike Island will be considered by an Interdepartmental Group comprising of representatives from my Department and the Departments of Arts, Sport and Tourism; Finance and Defence. This group will begin deliberations shortly.

Garda Districts.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

146 Ms Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 113 of 29 March 2007, the electoral divisions (details supplied) which each of the Garda stations cover in the Blanchardstown and Santry Garda districts; and the way the boundary between each is determined and the location where that boundary lies. [14538/07]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Blanchardstown Garda District includes Blanchardstown Garda Station, Cabra Garda Station and Finglas Garda Station. The Blanchardstown Garda District wholly or partially covers the following electoral divisions:

Ashtown A & B

Ballygall A, B & D

Blanchardstown — Abbotstown, Coolmine, Corduff, Delwood, Mulhuddart, Tyrellstown & Roselawn

Cabra A, B & C

Castleknock — Knockmaroon & Park

Finglas North A, B, & C

Finglas South A, B, C & D

The Ward

The Santry Garda District includes Santry Garda Station, Ballymun Garda Station, Whitehall Garda Station and Dublin Airport Garda Station. The Santry Garda District wholly or partially covers the following electoral divisions:

Airport

Ballygall C

Ballymun B, C, D & E

Beaumont A & B

Drumcondra South C

Kilmore A & B

Turnapin

Whitehall A, B, C & D

Garda District and Sub-District boundaries are not coterminous with electoral divisions.

Closed Circuit Television Systems.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

147 Ms Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 222 of 6 February, 2007, if he is in a position to provide the information requested. [14539/07]

I wish to inform the Deputy that a reply to her original question issued from my office on 23 April, 2007.

Departmental Correspondence.

Mary Upton

Question:

148 Dr. Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the dates of correspondence between his Department and An Garda Síochána in 1996 and his Department and the Department of Education and Science in 1996 relating to the investigation of concerns regarding possible abuse of children in a centre (details supplied) in Dublin 11; if he will confirm that all correspondence between his Department and the Garda relating to Finglas has been provided to the child abuse commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14544/07]

Mary Upton

Question:

149 Dr. Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the dates of all correspondence in 1996 between An Garda Síochána and the Department of Education and Science relating to the investigation of concerns regarding possible abuse in a centre (details supplied) in Dublin 11; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14545/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 148 and 149 together.

There is currently no indication that there was correspondence between my Department and An Garda Síochána and the Department of Education and Science in 1996 concerning the investigation referred to. However, I have asked for the matter to be investigated in my Department, and I will be in contact with the Deputy when the investigation has been completed. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the information sought in relation to dates of correspondence in 1996 between An Garda Síochána and the Department of Education and Science is currently being researched and an early response will issue. I have requested a response at the earliest opportunity, and I will contact the Deputy again when the information is at hand.

Insurance Industry.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

150 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will make a statement detailing the clear distinctions, protections and ethical guidelines to ensure that nobody pretends to be a person in authority and that people do not feel they are dealing with a person in authority investigating the claim from a different perspective in the context of an insurance claim investigation which he said should exist during a parliamentary exchange on 4 April 2007; and the protections to which he referred that are currently in place. [14549/07]

The Deputy refers to an exchange of views during Leaders Questions on 4 April last. As I said then, I share his view that it should be clear to people, when dealing with a person investigating an insurance company claim, that they are dealing with a representative of an insurance company, not a person implying or insinuating that he or she is a person in authority dealing with the same issue. Where this should happen in relation to serving members of the Garda Síochána the position is clear. Every allegation that a Garda is engaged in investigating claims on behalf of insurance companies will itself be investigated and the full rigours of the law brought to bear should an offence be disclosed. As regards the activities of insurance investigators, I understand that the Financial Regulator is now the authority responsible for the authorisation and ongoing supervision of insurance companies. I understand that a code of conduct has been issued to all regulated entities, including insurance companies, and this sets out requirements and provisions for the handling and processing of claims. Where a consumer is dissatisfied with the manner in which their claim is handled they may make a complaint through the company's complaints procedures. If they are not satisfied with the outcome of this process they may refer the matter to the Financial Services Ombudsman who will adjudicate on the issue.

Visa Applications.

Michael Ring

Question:

151 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a visa will be approved to allow a person (details supplied) with a valid work permit to travel to Ireland. [14550/07]

The application referred to was received in the Visa Office on 19 February, 2007. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the visa application in question was approved on 16 April, 2007.

Citizenship Applications.

Billy Timmins

Question:

152 Mr. Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow who has applied for naturalisation; if same will be dealt with as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14557/07]

An application for a certificate of naturalisation was received in the Citizenship section of my Department on 8 February 2006. Applications are generally dealt with in chronological order as this method is deemed to be fairest to all applicants. However, due to circumstances outlined by the Deputy, I understand that a submission will shortly be made to my Office for a decision on whether this case might be expedited. I will inform the Deputy and the person in question once I have reached a decision on the application.

National Strategy for Older People.

Joe Higgins

Question:

153 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will commit to the development and implementation of a national strategy for older people as recommended by the older and bolder campaign to age proof all policy, legislation and access to services and deliver equality for older people. [14578/07]

The Employment Equality Act 1998, as amended by the Equality Act 2004, prohibits discrimination in relation to nine grounds, one of which is age. The Equal Status Acts 2000 to 2004 give protection against discrimination in access to and provision of goods and services on the same nine grounds. My Department chairs a Working Group on Equality Proofing, the membership of which is drawn from the Four Pillars of Social Partnership and from relevant Government Departments, the Equality Authority and the Combat Poverty Agency. The Group is working towards the introduction of a wide ranging system of equality proofing to assess the impact of policy on all nine grounds identified in equality legislation. The Working Group articulates a vision of a single integrated equality proofing process. The target groups to be covered by equality proofing procedures are those grounds, which include age, covered by the Equal Status Acts 2000 to 2004 and the Employment Equality Act 1998. I am pleased to note that this year's activities to celebrate the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All 2007 will include a campaign to develop public awareness on ageism and older people.

Residency Permits.

John McGuinness

Question:

154 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application to remain here in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if permission will be granted in view of the fact that they are seven years here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14634/07]

I would refer the Deputy to my Reply to his Dáil Question No. 186 of 1 December 2005. The status of the person concerned remains as set out in that Reply. He is due to present again to the Garda National Immigration Bureau on 3 May 2007. The enforcement of the deportation order remains an operational matter for the Bureau.

Registration of Title.

John McGuinness

Question:

155 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the delay in providing a dealing number to register a property at a location (details supplied) in County Kilkenny to Kilkenny Borough Council; and if he will request the property register section to expedite the matter. [14635/07]

As the Deputy will be aware, under the provisions of the Registration of Deeds and Title Act 2006, the Property Registration Authority was established as and from 4 November, 2006. The Property Registration Authority replaces the Registrar of Deeds and Titles as the registering authority in relation to property registration in Ireland and, subject to the above Act, is independent in the performance of its functions. In order to be of assistance I forwarded the Deputy's query to the Authority for its attention and direct reply. I understand that a reply has already issued. I would also like to refer the Deputy to my letter of 26 May, 2006 to members of the Oireachtas regarding a new service for T.D.s and Senators concerning the current status of applications of this type. As outlined in my letter, the service was introduced, inter alia, to provide a speedier and more cost effective alternative to submitting Parliamentary Questions.

Residency Permits.

Tony Gregory

Question:

156 Mr. Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the request to remain here on compassionate grounds in view of the age and background of the person (details supplied). [14636/07]

The person concerned, a Nigerian National, arrived in the State as an Unaccompanied Minor on 30 April, 2003 and made an application for asylum on 15 May, 2003. His application for asylum was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and on appeal by the Office of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. A notification under Section 3(3)(a) of the Immigration Act 1999 issued to the person concerned on 29 June, 2004 advising him of the decision to refuse him a declaration of refugee status and setting out the options open to him at that point; i.e. to leave the State voluntarily, to consent to the making of a deportation order or to make written representations within 15 working days to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform setting out the reasons as to why he should not be deported. Representations setting out reasons why the person concerned should not be deported have been received. A decision will be taken after consideration of a number of factors which are specified in section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended. These factors include considerations relating to the common good, the persons' individual family and domestic circumstances, age and humanitarian considerations. Consideration will also be given to the prohibition on refoulement which is contained in section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996, as amended.

Garda Operations.

Finian McGrath

Question:

157 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a person (details supplied) is under Garda surveillance; and if attempts are being made to discredit him by the Department. [14637/07]

I would refer the Deputy to my replies to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 382 and 507 of 2 March and 23 March, 2004, respectively. I categorically reject any suggestion that my Department is in any way seeking to ‘discredit' the person in question.

Crime Levels.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

158 Mr. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the statistics for headline crime in the Dublin north division for the last year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14638/07]

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

Garda Equipment.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

159 Mr. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda cars, vans and motorbikes that are currently available to each station in the Dublin region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14639/07]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the transport resources currently attached to stations in the Dublin Metropolitan Region, including the Dublin Metropolitan Region Traffic Division, are as set out in the following table. I would point out to the Deputy that in overall terms the Garda Fleet has never been more modern. 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 and further investment in new vehicles for the Garda will be made this year.

Vehicles — DMR

Station

Cars

Vans

Bike

4×4

M/Bus

Total

Airport

2

1

3

Ballyfermot

10

4

14

Ballymun

3

1

4

Blackrock

7

2

3

1

13

Blanchardstown

26

3

7

3

1

40

Bray

6

2

1

1

10

Bridewell

5

3

1

9

Cabinteely

3

3

Cabra

3

3

Clondalkin

10

1

11

Clontarf

7

7

Coolock

14

2

16

Crumlin

15

3

2

20

Dalkey

2

2

Donnybrook

7

5

12

Dundrum

4

1

5

Dún Laoghaire

9

5

2

1

17

Enniskerry

2

2

Finglas

8

1

9

Fitzgibbon Street

8

1

1

1

11

Greystones

4

4

Harcourt Terrace

4

1

5

Howth

3

1

4

Irishtown

3

3

Kevin St

12

2

1

1

16

Kill o'the Grange

2

2

Kilmainham

5

7

1

13

Leixlip

3

3

Lucan

5

2

7

Malahide

4

4

Mountjoy

9

2

11

Pearse Street

22

2

9

1

2

36

Raheny

4

2

6

Rathcoole

3

3

Rathfarnham

5

5

Rathmines

4

1

5

Ronanstown

8

1

1

10

Santry

25

17

8

2

3

55

Shankill

3

1

4

Stepaside

4

4

Store Street

34

6

10

2

1

53

Sundrive Road

7

7

Swords

8

1

9

Tallaght

15

5

1

1

2

24

Terenure

7

6

1

14

Whitehall

5

5

DMR Traffic

14

4

33

4

55

Total

373

86

83

22

14

578

Garda Stations.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

160 Mr. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of cells at Coolock, Raheny, Finglas, Ballymun, Clontarf and Swords stations; the number that are for men, women and persons under 18; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14640/07]

I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the number of cells in the Garda Stations referred to by the Deputy is as follows:

Station

Cells: Adult

Cells: Juvenile

Coolock

4

0

Raheny

2

0

Finglas

3

1

Ballymun

2

0

Clontarf

2

1

Swords

2

0

I am further informed that the cells in Garda Stations are not designated for use by gender.

Garda Operations.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

161 Mr. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount of overtime worked by Gardaí in Coolock and Raheny Districts under Operation Anvil for 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14693/07]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the amount of overtime incurred by Gardaí in the Coolock and Raheny Districts under Operation Anvil for 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 is detailed below in terms of both expenditure and hours worked.

Year

Coolock Expenditure

Raheny Expenditure

2005

395,470

275,627

2006

613,963

681,919

2007

611,258

453,681

Total

1,620,691

1,411,227

Year

Coolock Hours

Raheny Hours

2005

13,920

9,702

2006

20,541

22,814

2007

19,610

14,555

Total

54,071

47,071

Departmental Bodies.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

162 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the work of the interim national property services regulatory authority and of its director, appointed in June 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14696/07]

As the Deputy will be aware in July 2004 I established the Auctioneering/Estate Agency Review Group to carry out a review of all aspects of the auctioneering profession in Ireland and to make recommendations for any changes necessary in terms of structures and/or legislation.

A fundamental finding of the Review Group was that the existing statutory framework — the Auctioneers and Estate Agents Acts 1947 to 1973 — which regulates the sector is outdated, inappropriate and inadequate for the present day market and it recommended the establishment of a Regulatory Authority, on a statutory basis, to underpin new regulatory arrangements in the industry.

Last December I obtained Government approval for legislation to establish the Authority on a statutory basis and the general scheme of the Property Services Regulatory Authority Bill was published on 21st December 2006.

Clearly for the new Authority to be fully functional it will be necessary for it to be established on a statutory basis. However, pending enactment of the legislation, I set up an Implementation Group to assist and advise on practical matters relating to the establishment of the new body and a Chief Executive designate, who is working closely with the Implementation Group, has been appointed. While the Group and the Chief Executive designate are currently involved in establishing the basic organisational structures, systems and procedures, necessary to any organisation a number of specific issues, fundamental to the long term functioning of the Authority, have been identified which can be addressed in advance of it being established on a statutory basis. These include the acquisition of accommodation for the Authority, the development of a code of practice for the industry, the creation of a National Public Register of Property Services Providers and the development of consumer information packs.

To date significant progress has been made in each of these areas as follows. Accommodation has been acquired in Navan for the Authority and plans for the fitting out of the accommodation have been agreed. A Code of Practice has been drafted by the Group and has been circulated to a wide range of interested parties including bodies representing the industry and consumer interests. Once discussions with the various interest groups have been concluded it is intended to publish the Code. A National Public Register of Auctioneers and House agents is being developed in conjunction with the Courts Service and the Revenue Commissioners. It is intended that this Register will be published as soon as possible after the Code of Practice has been agreed. Public information material on the provision of property services, including the purchase and sale of property, is currently being prepared. It is planned to have this material available before the end of the year.

Visa Applications.

Bernard Allen

Question:

163 Mr. Allen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on the visa application of a person (details supplied) who is anxious to live permanently here in view of the fact that this is a most genuine and urgent matter. [14697/07]

My Department has no record of a current visa application from the person in question. An earlier application was refused on 21 April 2006 and that decision was upheld on appeal in June 2006. An applicant is entitled to one appeal only, so no further review of that application can take place. It is open to the applicant, however, to make a fresh application.

Missing Persons.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

164 Mr. Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number who died violently at sea and accidentally in relation to missing persons who were found dead during the period 1999 to 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14698/07]

It has not been possible in the time available for the Garda authorities to supply the details requested by the Deputy. I will be in contact with the Deputy when the information is to hand.

Residency Permits.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

165 Mr. Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of the application of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14699/07]

The person in question was granted permission to remain in the State on 1st February 2006 under the revised arrangements for parents of Irish children born prior to 1 January 2005, commonly referred to as the IBC/05 Scheme.

An application for renewal of this permission to remain in the State was acknowledged by my Department on 5th March 2007. A request for additional documentation issued to the person in question on 18th April 2007.

The renewal application will be considered further upon receipt of the requested documentation. In the interim the person in question is advised to contact the local office of the Garda National Immigration Bureau to seek short-term registration while the renewal application is pending and to inform the benefit authorities accordingly.

Ground Rents.

Pat Carey

Question:

166 Mr. Carey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there has been a recent change in the policy regarding fees for the collection of ground rents; if a fee of €302.50 replaces the fee which was hitherto set at €70; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14711/07]

The Property Registration Authority (PRA) administers a scheme under which owners of leasehold property can apply to purchase the ground rent and enlarge their interest into a freehold.

I understand that there are two types of such applications and that different fees apply to each. There has been no change in fee levels since 1984.

In cases where agreement has already been reached in advance between the parties (‘consent cases') and the purchase price has been paid to the landlord, the fee is €30 if the applicant is in occupation of the dwelling house and €65 otherwise.

In cases where no advance agreement has been reached, the purchase price is determined by arbitration under the relevant legislative provisions. While this sum is paid to the PRA, it can then be claimed by the ground rent landlord. In these cases the PRA fee is €105 where the applicant is in occupation of the dwelling house and €195 otherwise.

Citizenship Applications.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

167 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to an application of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14722/07]

I have approved the application of the person in question.

The Citizenship Division of my Department have written to the individual requesting certain documentation and the payment of the prescribed fee. When the documentation and the fee are received, a certificate of naturalisation will issue to him.

John McGuinness

Question:

168 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for naturalisation in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if their application will be expedited in view of the number of years they have been here and the community they are supporting and assisting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14741/07]

An application for a certificate of naturalisation was received in the Citizenship section of my Department on 31 August 2006.

Applications are generally dealt with in chronological order. However, due to circumstances outlined by the Deputy, I understand that a submission will be made to my Office shortly for a decision on whether this case might be expedited.

I will inform the Deputy and the person in question once I have reached a decision on the matter.

John Perry

Question:

169 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on an application for naturalisation for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14742/07]

An application for a certificate of naturalisation was received in the Citizenship section of my Department on 8 August 2006.

Officials in that section are currently processing applications received in the latter half of 2004 and have approximately 9,500 applications on hand to be dealt with before that of the person concerned. These are generally dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. It is likely, therefore, that further processing of the application will commence in the first half of 2009.

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

Anti-Social Behaviour.

Finian McGrath

Question:

170 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action he will take with regard to recent attacks on young people at a location (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if he will put in a safety and community policing plan in the area. [14776/07]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to is regularly patrolled by uniform and plain clothes Gardaí from its local Garda station with a view to ensuring a concentrated and visible Garda presence in the area. These patrols are backed up by the District Detective and Drug Units, the Community Policing Unit and the Mountain Bike Unit, supplemented by the Divisional Crime Task Force and Traffic Corps.

Local Garda management is aware of the ongoing problem with public disorder and anti-social type behaviour being experienced by local residents in this area. A number of incidents of local youths gathering and drinking in public have been recorded in the vicinity of the area referred to and these incidents have been dealt with by Gardaí under public order legislation.

The local Community Policing Unit continues to liaise with local residents' groups and the local Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators and offers advice, support and assistance on all matters brought to their attention. Visits by Gardaí to the local primary and post-primary schools in the area will also continue.

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

Finian McGrath

Question:

171 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will put in a local safety and security plan to deal with anti-social activity at a location (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if he will work with local residents on this matter. [14777/07]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the area referred to is regularly patrolled by uniform and plain clothes Gardaí from the local Garda station with a view to ensuring a concentrated and visible Garda presence in the area. These patrols are backed up by the District Detective and Drug Units, the Community Policing Unit and the Mountain Bike Unit, supplemented by the Divisional Crime Task Force and Traffic Corps.

Local Garda management is aware of the ongoing problem with public disorder and anti-social type behaviour being experienced by local residents in this area.

The local Community Policing Unit continues to liaise with local residents' groups and the local Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators and offer advice, support and assistance on all matters brought to their attention. Visits by Gardaí to the local primary and post-primary schools in the area will also continue.

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

Firearms Act.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

172 Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason the firearms licence fee has gone up by 50% even though the three-year licence means that less Garda man-hours are needed to administer it compared with the previous system. [14778/07]

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

173 Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the fact that the proposed list of restricted firearms contains Olympic pistols, an association (details supplied) and other relevant sporting bodies will be given an opportunity to have input into the second draft of the Statutory Instrument; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14779/07]

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

174 Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will be commencing the remainder of the Firearms Act 2006, in view of the fact that the Criminal Justice Bill 2007 is already amending it before it has been fully commenced. [14780/07]

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

175 Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the Garda Commissioner’s guidelines for superintendents with relation to the Firearms Act 2006 will be published. [14781/07]

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

176 Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the firearms range inspector will be appointed by the Minister. [14782/07]

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

177 Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason several firearms ranges have already had to spend tens of thousands of euro on upgrades to comply with Garda demands for range certification in view of the fact that the relevant legislation has not been commenced and that the range inspector not been appointed. [14783/07]

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

178 Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the official regulations to which firing ranges must conform will be published. [14784/07]

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

179 Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will give assurances that target shooters wishing to compete in international competitions who find their sporting equipment listed on the restricted list will not find themselves required to comply with draconian and onerous demands to obtain firearms certificates. [14785/07]

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

180 Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason shotgun licences cost €115 for a three-year period with each subsequent shotgun on the licence costing €30 but an air rifle licence costs €170 and can only have one air rifle on it. [14786/07]

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

181 Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason in view of the obvious benefit to tourism that the 2012 Olympics represent, the firearms licence costs for foreign visitors have been increased to €57; and the reason no free visitors’ permit mechanism has been created to encourage the tourism that competitive target shooting represents. [14787/07]

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

182 Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to strong concerns expressed by an association (details supplied) regarding recent changes to firearms legislation and licensing systems; if he will meet the association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14788/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

188 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received correspondence in relation to licence fees; his plans to address this issue in early course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14823/07]

Martin Ferris

Question:

194 Mr. Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason it was necessary to increase the fees for firearms licences and training licenses by so much; and his views on whether this constitutes an exorbitant and unfair expense on tens of thousands of people who participate in gun sports here. [14866/07]

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

203 Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of firearms licences currently in place for each category of shotguns, rifles, pistols and other firearms; the number of firearms licences currently in place in each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14943/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 172 to 182, inclusive, 188, 194 and 203 together.

The Criminal Justice Act 2006 was signed into law by the President on the 16th July 2006. All sections of that Act relating to firearms have been commenced other than the following sections: 28 (Firearms training certificate); 30 (Application for, and form and effect of firearm certificates); 32 (Conditions of grant of firearms certificate); 33 (Authorisation of rifle or pistol clubs or shooting ranges); 38 (Registered Firearms Dealers); and 40 (Reloading of ammunition).

A Project Board, Chaired by an Assistant Commissioner of An Garda Síochána comprising members of my Department and An Garda Síochána is actively addressing the issues which need to be put in place before these sections can be commenced, including significant changes to the Garda PULSE computer system.

Officials of my Department met recently with two of the Shooting Organisations to discuss a number of issues relating to the new licensing regime. I am anxious that the programme of change which is being undertaken proceeds smoothly and has legitimate regard to all the interests involved, not least the public interest. It is in that context that I am considering the establishment of a consultative panel to bring the relevant stakeholders together on a structured basis.

The licensing of firearms and registration of Firearms Dealers is governed by the Firearms Acts 1925-2006. The Criminal Justice Act 2006 substantially amended the existing legislation to provide for a new firearms licensing regime. The present frequency of licensing of firearms and the registration of Firearms Dealers on an annual basis is changing to a three yearly basis — primarily to free up Garda time and resources. The new scheme, however, will not take effect until 2008, so the licensing process will go ahead on the usual annual basis this summer under the old fee structure.

In relation to the increase in charges, the Department of Finance and Revenue Commissioners advised me that, since the last time the fees were changed in 1992 there had been a 51% increase in the Consumer Price Index. The new fee structure reflects this increase as well as a tripling of the annual rate to reflect the new three year term.

It was not intended that the increase should cause undue hardship or difficulties for those who have to obtain licences. I am in receipt of correspondence regarding the fees from various members of the shooting community and as it will be some time before the new fees arise there will be time to consider the legitimate concerns that have been expressed.

Under Section 29 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2006 I may, by statutory instrument and in the interests of public safety and security, declare specific firearms and ammunition as "restricted", by reference to their category, calibre, working mechanism, muzzle energy and description. It should be noted that where a firearm is deemed "restricted" it does not mean that the possession or sale of such firearms is prohibited.

Where a person wishes to possess such a firearm they will be required to make an application to the Garda Commissioner for the grant of a firearms certificate and satisfy the Commissioner that they comply with the conditions set out in Section 4 of the Firearms Act, 1925, as amended by the 2006 Act. In addition firearms dealers will be required to seek an authorisation from me for the importation for sale of such firearms.

My Department has consulted with An Garda Síochána, organisations representing different shooting interest groups and firearms dealers representatives regarding the drafting of this statutory instrument. I am satisfied that the final version which will be published, within the near future, will represent a reasonable balance between allowing people go about their business or interests lawfully while at the same time having due regard to public safety and security.

The Commissioner in consultation with my Department has prepared draft guidelines on firearms licensing. The draft is currently being finalised and it is my intention that it will be circulated when ready.

The Firearms Act 1925, as amended, provides that gun clubs and ranges may be authorised by a Garda Superintendent. However, a Superintendent shall not grant such an authorisation unless he is satisfied that the possession, use or carriage of firearms in pursuance of such authorisation will not endanger public safety or the peace. In so far as the grant of an authorisation for a gun club or range is concerned the courts have ruled that the Superintendent is persona designata in relation to such decisions and cannot be fettered in any way.

In addition, under Section 4 of the Firearms Act 1925, a Superintendent before granting a firearms certificate shall be satisfied that such person can be permitted to have in his possession, use and carry a firearm or ammunition without danger to the public safety or to the peace.

We are in transition phase, however, and Section 33 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, when commenced will provide that the owner or operator of a rifle/pistol club or range shall be required to apply to the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána for an authorisation. Such ranges and clubs shall be required to meet minimum standards as set down by me, by way of Statutory Instrument. In the case of a range authorisation, the application must be accompanied by a range certificate as issued by the Firearms Range Inspector.

Proposals are being finalised at present in my Department in relation to the Range Inspection function.

On statistics, I am informed by the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána that the there are currently 220,715 firearms licences in the State, including 49,218 rifle, 170,156 shotgun, 1,228 handgun and 113 other various firearms licences. I am informed by the Commissioner that providing a breakdown of firearms licences by county could not be achieved without a disproportionate use of time and resources. The following table sets out firearms licences by Garda divisions.

Garda Division

Total No. of firearms licensed

Mayo

10,613

Clare

7,895

Kerry

8,948

Donegal

11,288

Limerick

8,759

Cork City

3,739

Cork West

10,260

Cork Nth

8,579

Tipperary

14,347

Galway West

8,911

Louth/Meath

17,362

Laois/Offaly

13,030

Sligo/Leitrim

6,802

Carlow/Kilkenny

15,865

Cavan/Monaghan

14,379

DMR Eastern

4,157

DMR West

3,821

DMR Nth

3,617

DMR Nth Central

223

DMR South

2,675

DMR Sth Central

511

Wexford/Wicklow

17,815

Longford/Westmeath

11,478

Roscommon/Galway

11,052

Waterford/Kilkenny

11,644

Garda Strength.

Tony Gregory

Question:

183 Mr. Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there are plans to increase in 2007 the number of gardaí and community gardaí in the Cabra Garda Station covering the Cabra and Navan Road districts in view of the many requests made by the local communities for greater Garda visibility in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14800/07]

I am 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 13,178 following the attestation of 273 new members on Wednesday 14 March, 2007. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) on 30 June 1997 and represents an increase of 2,476 (or over 23%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period. The combined strength (all ranks), of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training on 14 March 2007 was 14,258. Furthermore, I should say that on 19 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 approximately 1,100 new recruits per annum 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.

Cabra Garda Station forms part of the Dublin Metropolitan Region, Western Division. The personnel strength (all ranks) of Dublin Metropolitan Region, Western Division as at 19 April 2007 was 730. The personnel strength of Cabra Garda Station (all ranks) as at 19 April 2007 was 71. The personnel strength (all ranks) of the Community Policing Unit as at 19 April 2007 was 7.

Community Policing is a central feature of current policing policy and members of Community policing units are encouraged to engage with the local communities where they are assigned. Current policing policy is predicated on the prevention of public order offences, the prevention of crime including crimes of violence against persons and property and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of quality of life of the residents. This strategy is, and will continue to be, central to the delivery of a quality policing service. All Gardaí have a responsibility, inter alia, to be involved in Community Policing issues as they arise.

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

However, the situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available the needs of Cabra Garda Station in the Dublin Metropolitan Region, Western Division will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda Divisions throughout the country.

Garda Reserve.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

184 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost to date of establishing the Garda Reserve. [14804/07]

The amount expended to date on the Garda Reserve is approximately €580,000. As the Reserve is in its start-up phase, the main expenditure to date has related to recruitment, training, development and initial equipping of Reserve members.

Asylum Applications.

Pat Carey

Question:

185 Mr. Carey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an application for family reunification has been decided upon in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 who has refugee status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14805/07]

I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person in question made a Family Reunification application in December 2005.

The application was forwarded to the Refugee Applications Commissioner for investigation as required under Section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996. This investigation is completed and the Commissioner has forwarded a report to my Department.

The Family Reunification section issued a request to the legal representative of the person in question for further documents on the 16th of March 2007 and is currently awaiting a response. Once a response is received this application will be considered further by my Department.

Residency Permits.

John McGuinness

Question:

186 Mr. McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an application to remain in the State by a person (details supplied) in County Carlow will be approved and expedited on the basis of their marriage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14807/07]

An application for residency in the State on the basis of marriage to an Irish national was received from the person in question in January 2006. Applications of this kind, in fairness to all other such applicants, are dealt with in strict chronological order. It should be noted that marriage to an Irish national does not confer an automatic right of residence in the State.

The application in question is currently being processed. A decision will be made after full consideration of all circumstances particular to this case.

Garda Reserve.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

187 Mr Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of fully qualified members of the Garda Reserve and the stations to which they are currently attached in respect of the latest date for which figures are available; the number of attested members of the Reserve; the number of recruits currently in training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14818/07]

The Garda Commissioner is proceeding with the recruitment and training of Garda Reserve members. The first group of 36 Garda Reserve members completed their training and were formally attested as members of An Garda Síochána on 15th December 2006. They have been deployed in Dublin (Store Street and Pearse Street), Cork (Anglesea Street), Galway City and Sligo.

Two further groups consisting of 86 trainees are continuing their training programme and will be formally attested in May and June of this year. Further groups of Reserve trainees will commence training every four to six weeks with the next group commencing this coming Saturday, 28th April 2007.

Applications to join the Garda Reserve are still being accepted by the Public Appointments Service and further interviews will take place over the coming weeks and months.

Question No. 188 answered with QuestionNo. 172.

Departmental Correspondence.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

189 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received correspondence (details supplied); his plans to address this issue in early course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14826/07]

The National Women's Strategy 2007-2016; including the establishment of COSC — the Irish Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence; represents the policies of the Government on equality of women matters. My Department is generally responsive to campaigns which the relevant organisations collectively organise together.

The Department is of course already involved in the funding of a number of these organisations to deliver initiatives which link in with the work of the Department in relation to gender equality and violence against women (including domestic violence).

Garda Strength.

Joan Burton

Question:

190 Ms Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí allocated to the Dublin west district; the breakdown by rank and area of activity; the number of community gardaí and the areas to which they are assigned; the number in each area; the equivalent numbers for May 2005; his proposals to appoint additional gardaí to the area in view of the developments taking place in the area and the consequent significant growth in population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14849/07]

I am 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 13,178 following the attestation of 273 new members on Wednesday 14 March, 2007. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) on 30 June 1997 and represents an increase of 2,476 (or over 23%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period. The combined strength (all ranks), of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training on 14 March 2007 was 14,258. Furthermore, I should say that on 19 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 approximately 1,100 new recruits per annum 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.

The personnel strength of the Dublin Metropolitan Region West Division is 730 (all ranks) as of 19 April 2007. The personnel strength of each Garda station in the Dublin Metropolitan Region West Garda division by rank as at the 19 April 2007 and 31 May 2005 was as set out in the following table. The Deputy will appreciate that, as with any large organisation, on any given day, the overall strength of the organisation may fluctuate due, for example, to retirements, resignations etc.

Blanchardstown

Rank

19/04/2007

31/05/2005

C/Superintendent

1

1

Superintendent

2

2

Inspector

5

5

Sergeant

26

23

Garda

143

136

Total

177

167

Cabra

Rank

19/04/2007

31/05/2005

Inspector

1

1

Sergeant

10

11

Garda

60

50

Total

71

62

Finglas

Rank

19/04/2007

31/05/2005

Inspector

1

1

Sergeant

7

9

Garda

79

72

Total

87

82

Lucan

Rank

19/04/2007

31/05/2005

Superintendent

1

1

Inspector

3

4

Sergeant

7

9

Garda

62

56

Total

73

70

Leixlip

Rank

19/04/2007

31/05/2005

Sergeant

3

3

Garda

22

23

Total

25

26

Ronanstown

Rank

19/04/2007

31/05/2005

Inspector

1

1

Sergeant

14

14

Garda

75

72

Total

90

87

Ballyfermot

Rank

19/04/2007

31/05/2005

Inspector

1

1

Sergeant

13

11

Garda

74

64

Total

88

76

Clondalkin

Rank

19/04/2007

31/05/2005

Superintendent

1

1

Inspector

2

2

Sergeant

10

11

Garda

82

69

Total

95

83

Rathcoole

Rank

19/04/2007

31/05/2005

Inspector

1

Sergeant

2

2

Garda

22

23

Total

24

26

The number of personnel (all ranks) allocated to Community Policing duties in each Garda station in the Dublin Metropolitan Region West Garda division as at 19 April 2007 and 31 May 2005 was as set out in the following table.

Station

19/04/2007

31/05/2005

Blanchardstown

20

18

Cabra

7

4

Finglas

11

12

Lucan

7

7

Leixlip

4

4

Ballyfermot

9

10

Clondalkin

11

11

Ronanstown

8

12

Rathcoole

1

1

Total

78

79

Community Policing is a central feature of current policing policy and members of Community policing units are encouraged to engage with the local communities where they are assigned. Current policing policy is predicated on the prevention of public order offences, the prevention of crime including crimes of violence against persons and property and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of quality of life of the residents. This strategy is, and will continue to be, central to the delivery of a quality policing service. All Gardaí have a responsibility, inter alia, to be involved in Community Policing issues as they arise.

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

However, the situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available the needs of the Dublin Metropolitan Region West Garda Division will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of Garda Divisions throughout the country.

Crime Levels.

Joan Burton

Question:

191 Ms Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his proposals to deal with the number of unsolved murders, gangland killings and other serious crimes committed in recent years in the Dublin 15 area which remain unsolved; his views on the fact that confidence in the criminal justice system is eroded by failure to apprehend people who commit serious criminal acts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14850/07]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that all incidents of crime, including those involving firearms, are subject to a rigorous investigation. The identification of all evidence available is a key element of the investigation and prosecution process. I am assured that all resources necessary, including national specialist units, are deployed in the investigation process.

When such an investigation is completed an investigation file is prepared for consideration by the Law Officers who direct what charges, if any, are to be preferred against those suspected of being involved in the commission of the crime. Every effort is made to ensure that all suspected offenders are prosecuted but prosecutions can only be taken where the evidence sustains the taking of a prosecution.

All killings, regardless of the circumstances involved, are the subject of rigorous investigation by An Garda Síochána. While the term "gangland murders" tends to be widely used in the media in referring to the nature of certain unlawful killings and speculation in this respect is understandable, it does not reflect the manner in which An Garda Síochána classifies crime or particular offences. Caution is necessary in ascribing particular motives to any particular incident as, potentially, this might jeopardise the procedures which need to be followed for the proper investigation and prosecution of offences.

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

Under the Operation, 74 arrests have been made in connection with murder and 914 in connection with serious assaults. There have been 643 firearms seized or recovered and 26,497 searches for drugs.

The personnel strength of the Organised Crime Unit at the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation has been augmented to address the problem of organised criminal activity. Enforcement by the Unit has resulted in arrests, seizure of firearms and substantial quantities of drugs and the disruption of criminal activities.

On 19 December last, the Government agreed my proposals for an unprecedented package of measures which includes: a further increase of 1,000 in the strength of An Garda Síochána to bring the total to 15,000 over the next three years; a proportionate increase in the targeted strength of the Garda Reserve from 900 to 1500; sanction for 300 additional civilian administrative support posts for An Garda Síochána; the recruitment of the seven senior civilian posts recommended by the Garda Síochána Inspectorate and Senator Maurice Hayes; an increase in the retirement age for Gardaí, Sergeants and Inspectors from 57 to 60; increased staffing for the Forensic Science Laboratory, the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Courts Service; and no limit on funds available for the Witness Protection Programme.

As a result of the Criminal Justice Bill 2007 which is currently before the Oireachtas the law enforcement agencies will be in a much better position to ensure that those involved in gun crime will be made accountable for their actions.

I regularly meet the Garda Commissioner regarding all policing matters in order to keep the measures and resources for tackling crime under continued review.

Joan Burton

Question:

192 Ms Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the figures for serious crimes such as homicide, fraud, burglary and sexual offences broken down by category for the Dublin west district; the same figures specifically for the Dublin 15 area; the percentage of cases for all of the above categories in both the Dublin west district and in the Dublin 15 area for which proceedings were initiated and convictions were recorded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14851/07]

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

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

Departmental Bodies.

Joan Burton

Question:

193 Ms Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his proposals in relation to drafting legislation to allow for a Property Services Regulatory Authority; when this legislation will be brought before Dáil Éireann; the functions and powers of the proposed authority; the remedies it will be able to provide for residents who are receiving an unsatisfactory service or being overcharged by their management companies; the powers the proposed authority will have in relation to companies that are meeting their statutory obligations as an Irish company. [14852/07]

The Government Legislation Programme published on 23 April provides for publication of the Property Services Regulatory Authority Bill in 2007. This legislation will give effect to key recommendations of the Auctioneering/Estate Agency Review Group, including establishment of the Property Services Regulatory Authority to control and regulate the provision of property services provided by auctioneers, estate agents and property management agents. Details of the proposed legislation are available on my Department's web site (www.justice.ie).

Pending enactment of the legislation, I have established an Implementation Group to assist and advise on practical matters relating to the new body and to prepare for the new licensing system. A Chief Executive designate has also been appointed and is engaged in preparatory work for establishment of the Authority.

As regards difficulties arising in relation to the operation of property management companies, the Law Reform Commission's Consultation Paper on Multi-Unit Developments makes it clear that action will be required across a broad range of policy areas, including the planning and development code, company law, consumer protection law and the development of regulatory structures. In recognition of this, and the cross-cutting nature of many of the issues, the Government has approved the establishment of a high-level interdepartmental committee to assist in the development of a coherent and comprehensive legislative response to the difficulties arising in relation to property management companies.

A key task of this committee is to identify the key legislative and administrative actions to be taken and to determine a timescale for implementation as soon as possible. In particular, the committee will have regard to recommendations for legislative reforms contained in the Law Reform Commission's Report on Multi-Unit Developments which will be published later this year.

I should also mention that the National Consumer Agency has produced a very valuable booklet entitled ‘Putting Consumers First' which contains information and guidance for those who have bought an apartment or house in a multi-unit complex, or are considering doing so. In addition, the Director of Corporate Enforcement has launched a draft consultation paper on the governance of property management companies which provides essential information for the members and directors of management companies and is seeking submissions from interested parties.

Pending the enactment of future legislation, I believe that improved awareness of their rights, and a better understanding of the corresponding duties and responsibilities of developers and builders, will enable the owners of apartments and houses in multi-unit complexes to assert their rights as company members, become involved in the management of their company and combat abuses.

Question No. 194 answered with QuestionNo. 172.

Legislative Programme.

Denis Naughten

Question:

195 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 135 and 136 of 14 December 2006 and 273 of 27 September 2006, if he will report on the issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14886/07]

Denis Naughten

Question:

196 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will publish the Family Law Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14887/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 195 and 196 together.

Following Government approval I recently established, on an interim basis, the Legal Costs Regulatory Body recommended by the Implementation Advisory Group. Work has commenced in my Department on proposals to put the Regulatory Body on a statutory basis.

As indicated in my reply to Question No. 136 of 14 December 2006 work on the general scheme of a Family Law Bill is ongoing in my Department. The position is also outlined in the Government's Legislative Programme for the Summer Session, as announced by the Chief Whip on 23 April 2007.

Sexual Offences.

Joe Costello

Question:

197 Mr. Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will answer the specific questions raised in Parliamentary Question No. 190 of 27 March 2007 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14889/07]

Persons who have been convicted of sex offences abroad who, at the time of the conviction or thereafter, become resident for the qualifying period in this jurisdiction are subject to the provisions of the Sex Offenders Act 2001, where there is comparability between the offence to which the foreign conviction applies and offences covered by the Act. It is not necessary for the offence or the conviction to occur after the coming into force of the Act.

The Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Investigation Unit of An Garda Síochána monitor and manage the notification provisions as they apply to those subject to them.

Citizenship Applications.

Michael Ring

Question:

198 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he expects to deal with an application for naturalisation by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [14890/07]

An application for a certificate of naturalisation was received in the Citizenship section of my Department on 5 March 2007.

The application has not yet been examined in detail. Examination of the residency requirement will take place in the near future and the applicant will be contacted at that time informing him if he satisfies the residency requirement under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended.

Garda Deployment.

Enda Kenny

Question:

199 Mr. Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has reviewed the situation pertaining to a full-time immigration and customs post at Knock International Airport, County Mayo; if, in view of the imminence of weekly transatlantic flights, he will make arrangements to have such facilities provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14910/07]

Four members of An Garda Síochána are employed on Immigration duties when flights arrive at Ireland West (Knock) Airport, seven days per week. These gardaí are drawn from personnel allocated to Swinford Garda District. When the members are not performing immigration duty they are available for regular policing duties within Swinford District.

In deciding on the number of personnel to be assigned to immigration control duties at ports of entry to the State, and the manner in which they are to be deployed, cognisance is taken of such issues as; throughput of passengers, the frequency of their arrival on particular routes, the jurisdictions from which they travel, and the result of any risk assessment completed with a view to establishing the extent to which illegal immigrants are likely to target a particular port of entry, route, flight or sailing.

Local Garda Management report that they have been informed by the management of Ireland West (Knock) Airport that transatlantic flights from and to the United States of America will commence in May 2007.

Local Garda Management report that its arrangements for the deployment of gardaí in Immigration duties are currently under review in light of the commencement of the transatlantic flights.

The question of a full time customs post is a matter for Customs and Excise Authorities.

Garda Recruitment.

Pat Carey

Question:

200 Mr. Carey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the way a person who competed in a competition for employment as part of the Garda civilisation programme can establish where they are placed on the panel; the length of time they may be waiting for the next stage of the competition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14912/07]

Recruitment to An Garda Síochána is a matter in the first instance for the Public Appointments Service and then for the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána. I have no function in the process.

The Public Appointments Service is located in Chapter House, 26-30, Abbey Street Upper, Dublin 1, and can be contacted at Lo-Call 1890 449999 or by email at info@publicjobs.ie.

Prison Building Programme.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

201 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if arrangements have been made to purchase additional lands in connection with the proposed prison project at Thornton Hall; and the details of any such proposed purchase, including area and price. [14913/07]

Two landowners in the area have approached the Irish Prison Service to offer a corridor of land that would allow a 1.5 km private access route to the site at Thornton. While the existing access route on the R130 is perfectly acceptable, the provision of services to the site would require the existing road to be excavated to accommodate pipes etc. and then to be resurfaced.

The technical advice is that the cost of laying services and constructing a new road on the route now offered would be less costly, less disruptive and quicker than routing services under the R130. The Irish Prison Service is engaging with the preferred bidder and the landowners in question to confirm that the parties concerned will enter into contracts that would result in a more cost effective route to Thornton. As the matter has not been finalised, I am not in a position to disclose details as to price etc. at this stage.

Garda Training.

Jack Wall

Question:

202 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department provided funding or training for members of the Garda in relation to dealing with domestic violence cases; the amounts provided; the type of course or courses pursued; the number of gardaí both male and female involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14926/07]

I am informed by the Garda Authorities that domestic violence training is provided as part of the Continuous Professional Development to serving members of An Garda Síochána. The Student Probationer School provides extensive training to new members of An Garda Síochána.

Continuous Professional Development (CPD) incorporated Domestic Violence on the 1997 Core Programme for all members of Garda and Sergeant rank after the Domestic Violence Act came into force in 1996. Furthermore, a policy document was issued to all members.

The Core Continuous Professional Development Programme for 2006 contained a module on Sexual Crime, developed in consultation with the Rape Crisis Centre Counselling Network and covered some areas pertinent to Domestic Violence. The situation is kept under constant review by Continuous Professional Development.

Student /Probationer School deals with the area of Domestic Violence in two study areas, namely Social & Psychological Studies and Legal & Policing Studies as set out as follows. Social and Psychological Studies provides the following training to Student and Probationer Gardaí at the Garda College. Women's Aid organisation provides 5 hours training in relation to the victim's perspective. This involves 1 hour in a lecture theatre and 4 hours training in workshops with groups of 20-23 Student Gardaí.

A representative of the organisation Men Overcoming Violent Emotions (M.O.V.E) provides a one hour training programme to Student Gardaí on the methods of dealing with offenders in relation to Domestic Violence.

AMEN, an organisation representing male victims of domestic violence provides a three hour training awareness programme from the perspective of male victims of domestic violence to Student Gardaí.

Social and Psychological Studies staff provide training to Phase III Student Gardaí, through development work and role-play scenarios which depict practical incidents that they may encounter relating to domestic violence. This role-play type training develops their skills and competencies in dealing with all aspects of domestic violence. Phase III Student Gardaí are assessed in conjunction with training provided by Legal & Policing Studies.

Legal and Policing Studies facilitate the following instruction in relation to Domestic Violence to Garda Students: In Phase I students are facilitated with instruction on offences committed within the family. While the majority of this training deals specifically with domestic violence, it is recognised that the subject cannot be dealt with in isolation and therefore elements of the training deal with the Children Act, 1908, Child Care, Act 1991 and the Children Act, 2001, where they are impacted by domestic violence issues. Phase III is conducted in a facilitative style in classrooms rather than lecture theatres for the most part. Taking into consideration the experience gained by Student Gardaí on Phase II, training is also provided which goes more in-depth into the procedures when dealing with Domestic Violence. Domestic Violence training is always under consideration by the Garda College. Close liaison is maintained with the various stakeholders to ensure that the training provided is current.

The information requested in relation to the number of male and female Gardaí provided with domestic violence training is not readily available and can only be obtained by the disproportionate expenditure of Garda time and resources relative to the information sought.

Funding is available to members of An Garda Síochána who pursue educational courses including a Diploma in Conflict and Dispute Resolution.

Question No. 203 answered with QuestionNo. 172.

Residency Permits.

Michael Ring

Question:

204 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when long term residency will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [15030/07]

As I outlined in my replies to previous Parliamentary Questions put down for answer by the Deputy on 31 January 2007(Question No. 418) and 8 March 2007(Question No. 118), persons who have been legally resident in the State for over five years on the basis of work permit/work authorisation/work visa conditions may apply to the Immigration Division of my Department for a five year residency extension. In that context they may also apply to be exempt from employment permit requirements.

While applications for long term residency are under consideration, the person concerned should ensure that their permission to remain in the State is kept up to date.

An application for long term residence from the person referred to by the Deputy was received on 16th June 2006. I understand that due to the significant volume of applications on hand, applications received in early June 2006 are currently being dealt with. As soon as a decision is made on the case, the person concerned will be notified.

Question No. 205 answered with QuestionNo. 118.

Refugee Status.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

206 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to refugee status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15050/07]

The person concerned was the subject matter of an Adjournment Debate in the Dáil on Thursday evening, 22 March 2007. During this debate it was indicated on my behalf that I had directed my officials to look again at the circumstances surrounding the proposed deportation. In the meantime an application for revocation of his deportation order was received from his legal representatives on 23 March 2007. Further representations were also received on 16 April 2007. These are currently being examined in my Department and a decision will issue to the applicant in due course.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

207 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15052/07]

The persons in question made an application for permission to remain in the State on the basis of family dependency in December 2005. An initial request for documentation issued in February 2006 which was returned by An Post as the persons were not residing at the given address. A second request issued in August 2006 and although some documentation was received in August 2006, it was insufficient to finalise the applications.

A third request for documentation issued in October 2006 and again the documentation received was insufficient to finalise the applications. A final request to give the persons in question one last opportunity to provide the specific documentation required issued on 5 April 2007. To date, no response has been received in respect of this correspondence. A decision on their applications will be made shortly.

Refugee Status.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

208 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15053/07]

The person concerned arrived in the State on 27 April 2000 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, he was informed by letter dated 31 October 2002, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State; leaving the State before an order is made or consenting to the making of a deportation order. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned.

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.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

209 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if permission to remain in the State will be granted in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15054/07]

The person concerned arrived in the State on 11 November 2002 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, he was informed by letter dated 26 February 2004, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State; leaving the State before an order is made or consenting to the making of a deportation order. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned.

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.

Citizenship Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

210 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the application for citizenship will be acceptable in the case of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15055/07]

Applications for certificates of naturalisation were received in the Citizenship section of my Department on 22 August 2006.

Section 15 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended, requires that an applicant must have had a period of one year's continuous residency in the State immediately before the date of application and, during the eight years immediately preceding that period, have had a total residence in the State amounting to four years.

The application of the first named individual was examined and it was determined that he did not satisfy the aforementioned residency requirements. A letter informing him of this was issued on 8 March 2007. It is open to him to lodge a new application if and when he is in a position to meet the statutory requirements.

Officials in the Citizenship Division are currently processing applications received in the latter half of 2004 and have approximately 9,100 applications on hand to be dealt with before that of the second named person. These are generally dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. It is likely, therefore, that further processing of her application will commence in the first half of 2009.

I will inform the Deputy and the person in question when I have reached a decision on the case.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

211 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of the application for family reunification submitted by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15056/07]

I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that a decision to refuse an application for Family Reunification by the person in question was issued on 7 December 2006. This matter is currently under review and a decision will issue in due course.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

212 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to family reunification in the case if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15057/07]

I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that a Family Reunification application by the person in question was refused in July 2006. At present there are no Family Reunification applications pending in respect of any family members of the person referred to by the Deputy.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

213 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the procedures available to appeal the decision to refuse an application for family reunification for a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15058/07]

I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the Family Reunification application from the person in question was refused because the people applied for do not come under the definition of a ‘dependent member of the family', as outlined in Section 18.(4)(b) of the Refugee Act 1996. There are no provisions under Section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996 for the appeal of a Family Reunification decision.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

214 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of the application for residency and family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15059/07]

I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the application for family reunification under Section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996 by the person in question is under consideration by my Department. I expect that a decision will be reached in this matter shortly.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

215 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a new application for family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15 will be entertained in view of the grounds of previous decision of 18 January 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15063/07]

I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that it is open to the person in question to submit a new application for Family Reunification. Each application is processed on its own merits and the decision reached is based on the information submitted.

Garda Deployment.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

216 Mr. Gogarty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the Garda station that is responsible for ensuring that the bus lane at the Long Mile Road outbound approaching Naas Junction is kept clear, as there seems to be some confusion in this regard as to whether this is the responsibility of Clondalkin or Crumlin station; the number of fines and prosecutions issued at or near this location since this bus lane has been opened; the amount of times the bus lane near the Lough and Quay Clondalkin is monitored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15110/07]

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the bus lane on the Long Mile Road from its junction with the Walkinstown Road to the intersection with Robinhood Road is in Crumlin Garda District and from there to the Naas Road junction is in Clondalkin Garda District. The bus lane on the Nangor Road near the Lough and Quay licensed premises is in Clondalkin Garda District. I am also informed that both Garda Districts are regularly patrolled by uniform and plain clothes personnel including the District mobile units, foot patrols, mountain bike unit personnel supplemented by the regional Traffic Corps personnel based in Dublin Castle and the Divisional Traffic Corps Units.

Garda Recruitment.

Willie Penrose

Question:

217 Mr. Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath is still on the entry list for training with An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15115/07]

Recruitment to An Garda Síochána is a matter in the first instance for the Public Appointments Service and then for the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána. I have no function in the process. The Public Appointments Service is located in Chapter House, 26-30, Abbey Street Upper, Dublin 1, and can be contacted at Lo-Call 1890 44 99 99 or by e-mail at info@publicjobs.ie.

Garda Strength.

Joan Burton

Question:

218 Ms Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the strength in each of the Garda divisions; the breakdown of the number in each division by area and by full-time and part-time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15173/07]

I am 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 13,178 following the attestation of 273 new members on Wednesday 14 March, 2007. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) on 30 June, 1997 and represents an increase of 2,476 (or over 23%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period. The combined strength (all ranks), of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training on 14 March, 2007 was 14,258. Furthermore, I should say that on 19 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 approximately 1,100 new recruits per annum 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. The personnel strength (all ranks) of each Garda Division as at 23 April 2007 was as set out in the following table.

Carlow/Kildare

District

Strength

Job-sharing

Naas

141

2

Kildare

81

Carlow

101

1

Baltinglass

65

2

Total

388

5

Cavan/Monaghan

District

Strength

Job-Sharing

Cavan

80

1

Monaghan

127

Bailieboro

65

Ballyconnell

40

Carrickmacross

81

1

Total

393

2

Clare

District

Strength

Job-Sharing

Ennis

181

Ennistymon

33

Killaloe

41

Kilrush

36

Total

291

Cork City

District

Strength

Job-Sharing

Anglesea Street

312

1

Gurranabraher

94

1

Mayfield

105

Togher

132

Total

643

2

Cork North

District

Strength

Job-Sharing

Fermoy

82

1

Cobh

56

1

Mallow

61

1

Middleton

73

Total

272

3

Cork West

District

Strength

Job-Sharing

Bandon

103

2

Bantry

45

1

Clonakilty

45

1

Kanturk

43

Macroom

41

2

Total

277

6

DMR East

District

Strength

Job-Sharing

Dún Laoghaire

197

Bray

209

Blackrock

186

2

Total

592

2

DMR North

District

Strength

Job-Sharing

Santry

250

1

Raheny

178

1

Coolock

224

4

Total

652

6

DMR North Central

District

Strength

Job-Sharing

Store Street

280

1

Bridewell

170

Fitzgibbon Street

207

3

Total

657

4

DMR South

District

Strength

Job-Sharing

Crumlin

172

Tallaght

248

Rathmines

175

Total

595

DMR South Central

District

Strength

Job-Sharing

Pearse Street

347

4

Donnybrook

179

Kevin Street

217

Total

743

4

DMR West

District

Strength

Job-Sharing

Blanchardstown

335

3

Clondalkin

207

3

Lucan

188

2

Total

730

8

Donegal

District

Strength

Job-Sharing

Letterkenny

175

Buncrana

91

1

Ballyshannon

92

Glenties

48

Milford

49

Total

455

1

Galway West

District

Strength

Job-Sharing

Galway

228

1

Clifden

31

Gort

35

Loughrea

48

Salthill

70

3

Total

412

4

Kerry

District

Strength

Job-Sharing

Tralee

118

Caherciveen

43

Killarney

84

1

Listowel

54

Total

299

1

Laois/Offaly

District

Strength

Job-Sharing

Portlaoise

125

Abbeyleix

41

1

Tullamore

87

1

Birr

45

Total

298

2

Limerick

District

Strength

Job-Sharing

Henry Street

297

1

Askeaton

42

Bruff

43

Newcastle West

48

Roxboro Road

122

Total

552

1

Longford/Westmeath

District

Strength

Job-Sharing

Mullingar

111

1

Athlone

75

Longford

66

Granard

45

Total

297

1

Louth/Meath

District

Strength

Job-Sharing

Drogheda

115

2

Dundalk

145

Ashbourne

79

5

Balbriggan

59

Navan

69

Trim

46

Kells

51

Total

564

7

Mayo

District

Strength

Job-Sharing

Castlebar

79

1

Ballina

57

Belmullet

31

Claremorris

43

Swinford

49

Westport

39

Total

298

1

Roscommon/Galway East

District

Strength

Job-Sharing

Ballinasloe

52

1

Boyle

37

Castlerea

42

Roscommon

71

Tuam

58

2

Total

260

3

Sligo/Leitrim

District

Strength

Job-Sharing

Sligo

150

1

Ballymote

31

Manorhamilton

52

Carrick-on-Shannon

56

1

Total

289

2

Tipperary

District

Strength

Job-Sharing

Clonmel

73

Thurles

79

Templemore

53

Tipperary

43

Nenagh

45

2

Cahir

54

Total

347

2

Waterford/Kilkenny

District

Strength

Job-Sharing

Waterford

167

1

Kilkenny

94

Dungarvan

54

Thomastown

40

Tramore

44

Total

399

1

Wexford/Wicklow

District

Strength

Job-Sharing

Wexford

104

New Ross

49

Enniscorthy

48

Gorey

89

Wicklow

64

Total

354

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

Crime Levels.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

219 Mr. Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to his response to Parliamentary Question No. 149 of 5 April 2007, if he will explain his statement that headline crime in the Carlow/Kildare division has reduced when it has in fact increased by 12% in 2006. [15222/07]

Any interpretation of the crime figures has to factor in the increase in population. In 1995, with a population of 3.6 million, there were 28.5 crimes per 1,000 of the population. In 2006, with a population of over 4.2 million, there were 24.5 crimes per 1,000 of the population, a significant reduction by any standard.

During the two full years of the Rainbow Coalition Government (1995 and 1996), the corresponding figures were 28.5 and 27.8. Since 2003, the first full year of this Government, the figures dropped from 26 crimes per 1,000 of the population in 2003 to 24.5 in 2006, with the figures for 2004 and 2005 being 24.5 and 24.8 respectively. The crime rate per 1,000 of the population in 2006 was therefore the lowest in the period of office of this Government.

The most recent crime statistics are the provisional headline crime statistics published by the Central Statistics Office for the fourth quarter of 2006 and the full year of 2006. The figures for the fourth quarter of 2006 continue the improvement in the headline crime statistics evident since the second quarter of the year. Following a worrying increase of 10.1% in the first quarter, there was a slight increase of 0.8% in the second quarter, followed by accelerating decreases of 1.5% and 3.2% in the third and fourth quarters. As a result, the outturn for the year was an increase in headline crime of 1.4%, compared with an increase of 3% in 2005. The reduction in headline crime in the Carlow / Kildare Division for the fourth quarter of 2006 is in line with the reduction nationally. The initiatives put in place by local Garda management in the Division have contributed to this improvement.

Garda Deployment.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

220 Mr. Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the population per Garda division and the number of Gardaí assigned to each Garda division using the 2006 Census figures. [15223/07]

I am 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 13,178 following the attestation of 273 new members on Wednesday 14 March, 2007. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) on 30 June, 1997 and represents an increase of 2,476 (or over 23%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period. The combined strength (all ranks), of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training on 14 March, 2007 was 14,258. Furthermore, I should say that on 19 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 approximately 1,100 new recruits per annum 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. I have also been informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength (all ranks) of each operational Garda Division on 20 April, 2007 was as set out in the following table.

Division

20/04/07

Carlow/Kildare

388

Cavan/Monaghan

393

Clare

291

Cork City

643

Cork North

272

Cork West

277

D.M.R. East

593

D.M.R. North Central

657

D.M.R. North

652

D.M.R. South Central

743

D.M.R. South

595

D.M.R. West

730

Donegal

455

Galway West

412

Kerry

299

Laois/Offaly

298

Limerick

552

Longford/Westmeath

297

Louth/Meath

564

Mayo

298

Roscommon/Galway East

260

Sligo/Leitrim

289

Tipperary

347

Waterford/Kilkenny

399

Wexford/Wicklow

354

I am further informed by the Garda authorities that the Central Statistics Office are presently examining the 2006 Census of Population figures in relation to Small Area Population Statistics (SAPS). It is not expected that these SAPS figures will be available until October 2007. It is, therefore, not yet possible to provide population figures for each Garda Division based on the 2006 Census figures.

Garda Strength.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

221 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number, rank, duties and location of Gardaí located at each Garda station in County Louth for the years 2002 and 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15263/07]

I am 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 13,178 following the attestation of 273 new members on Wednesday 14 March, 2007. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) on 30 June, 1997 and represents an increase of 2,476 (or over 23%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period. The combined strength (all ranks), of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training on 14 March, 2007 was 14,258. Furthermore, I should say that on 19 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 approximately 1,100 new recruits per annum 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. I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength of the Louth/Meath Division on 31 December, 1997 and on 20 April, 2007 was 532 and 564 (all ranks) respectively. This represents an increase of 32 (or 6%) in the number of personnel allocated since that date.

The Garda authorities state that the personnel strength (all ranks) of each Garda Station in the Louth/Meath Division on 31 December, 2002 and on 20 April, 2007 was as set out in the following tables.

Stations 31/12/02

Chief Supt

Supt

Insp

Sergt

Gda

Drogheda

1

2

2

13

71

Castlebellingham

0

0

0

1

3

Clougherhead

0

0

0

1

2

Dunleer

0

0

0

1

3

Laytown

0

0

0

1

6

Ashbourne

0

1

1

4

31

Dunboyne

0

0

0

2

13

Dunshaughlin

0

0

0

2

9

Kilcock

0

0

0

1

5

Dundalk

0

0

3

13

80

Carlingford

0

0

0

1

2

Hackballscross

0

0

0

2

12

Dromad

0

0

0

2

11

Omeath

0

0

0

1

13

Louth

0

0

0

1

0

Blackrock

0

0

0

1

3

Kells

0

1

0

4

26

Crossakeel

0

0

0

0

1

Athboy

0

0

0

1

5

Oldcastle

0

0

0

1

3

Nobber

0

0

0

1

2

Trim

0

1

0

2

21

Kilmessan

0

0

0

0

1

Summerhill

0

0

0

1

1

Enfield

0

0

0

2

14

Ballivor

0

0

0

1

1

Balbriggan

0

1

1

5

28

Skerries

0

0

0

1

9

Lusk

0

0

0

1

3

Rush

0

0

0

1

3

Garristown

0

0

0

1

2

Navan

0

1

1

6

39

Ardee

0

0

0

1

8

Collon

0

0

0

1

1

Duleek

0

0

0

0

3

Slane

0

0

0

1

3

Stations 20/04/07

Chief Supt

Supt

Insp

Sergt

Gda

Drogheda

1

1

1

12

81

Castlebellingham

0

0

0

1

3

Clougherhead

0

0

0

0

1

Dunleer

0

0

0

1

3

Laytown

0

0

0

1

9

Ashbourne

0

1

1

4

44

Dunboyne

0

0

0

2

13

Dunshaughlin

0

0

0

2

7

Kilcock

0

0

0

1

4

Dundalk

0

1

3

15

91

Carlingford

0

0

0

1

2

Hackballscross

0

0

0

2

9

Dromad

0

0

0

1

6

Omeath

0

0

0

2

5

Louth

0

0

0

1

1

Blackrock

0

0

0

1

4

Kells

0

1

0

4

33

Crossakeel

Athboy

0

0

0

1

5

Oldcastle

0

0

0

1

3

Nobber

0

0

0

1

2

Trim

0

0

0

4

22

Kilmessan

Summerhill

0

0

0

1

1

Enfield

0

0

0

2

12

Ballivor

0

0

0

1

2

Balbriggan

0

1

1

4

27

Skerries

0

0

0

1

11

Lusk

0

0

0

1

3

Rush

0

0

0

1

6

Garristown

0

0

0

1

2

Navan

0

1

1

5

45

Ardee

0

0

0

2

7

Collon

0

0

0

1

1

Duleek

0

0

0

1

2

Slane

0

0

0

1

2

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.

The Garda authorities also state that the number of Gardaí (all ranks) currently assigned to administrative duties in the Louth/Meath division is 11. This number was calculated on the basis of those personnel who are in receipt of Designated post and Ex-Gratia allowance and as such are employed on administrative duties. The total personnel strength (all ranks) of the Traffic Corps in the Louth/Meath Division 31 December, 2002 and on 31 March, 2007 was 23 and 46. This represents an increase of 23 (or 100%) in the number of personnel allocated since that date. I should add that Garda Divisional boundaries do not correlate with the County boundaries.

The information requested in relation to the number of Gardaí employed on administrative duties in each station in 2002 is not readily available and can only be obtained by the disproportionate expenditure of Garda time and resources relative to the information sought.

Citizenship Applications.

John Gormley

Question:

222 Mr. Gormley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason a person (details supplied) who wishes to become an Irish citizen and who has an Irish university degree is unable to remain here in order to pursue a career and contribute to this country with their skills and education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15264/07]

I understand the Immigration Division of my Department has been in contact with the person concerned outlining the options open to her. The person referred to by the Deputy should now contact the Immigration Division regarding her future intentions in the State.

Garda Deployment.

Denis Naughten

Question:

223 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 124 of 29 March 2007, when a response will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15284/07]

I have since been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel resources, that the personnel strength (all ranks) of An Garda Síochána increased to a record 13,178 following the attestation of 273 new members on Wednesday 14 March, 2007. This compares with a total strength of 10,702 (all ranks) on 30 June, 1997 and represents an increase of 2,476 (or over23%) in the personnel strength of the Force during that period. The combined strength (all ranks), of both attested Gardaí and recruits in training on 14 March, 2007 was 14,258. Furthermore, I should say that on 19 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 approximately 1,100 new recruits per annum 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.

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.

I have been further informed by the Garda authorities that the personnel strength and opening hours of each Garda Station in the Sligo/Leitrim Division and the Roscommon/Galway East Division on 31 December, 1997, 2002 and on 28 March, 2007 are set out in the following tables. I should also point out that Garda Divisional boundaries and County boundaries are not coterminous. The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available, the needs of these Divisions will be fully considered within the overall context of Garda Divisions throughout the country.

Sligo-Leitrim Division

Sligo-Leitrim

Strength at31-12-97

Strength at31-12-02

Strength at28-03-07

Opening HoursMon.-Fri.

Opening HoursSat.

Opening HoursSun.

Ballymote

22

21

21

24 hr.

24 hr.

24 hr.

Carrick-on-Shannon

27

30

40

24 hr.

24 hr.

24 hr.

Manorhamilton

25

26

27

24 hr.

24 hr.

24 hr.

Sligo

98

115

136

24 hr.

24 hr.

24 hr.

Collooney

4

4

4

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Skreen

2

2

2

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Coolaney

2

2

2

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Cliffoney

2

2

1

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Rosses Point

2

1

2

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Grange

3

2

3

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Tubbercurry

5

5

4

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Gurteen

2

2

2

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Riverstown

2

2

2

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Aclare

1

2

1

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Bunnandden

1

0

1

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Cloone

1

1

1

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Dromod

1

1

1

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Drumshambo

4

4

4

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Keshcarrigan

1

1

1

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Mohill

4

5

6

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Roosky

3

3

3

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Kiltyclogher

3

1

2

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Dromhair

3

2

3

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Drumkerrin

3

3

3

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Kinlough

11

9

7

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Glenfarne

0

1

1

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Dowra

3

3

3

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Blacklion

22

9

5

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Total

257

259

288

Roscommon-Galway Division

Roscommon-Galway

Strength at31-12-97

Strength at31-12-02

Strength at28-03-07

Opening HoursMon.-Fri.

Opening HoursSat.

Opening HoursSun.

Roscommon

55

51

61

24 hr.

24 hr.

24 hr.

Ballinasloe

36

39

37

24 hr.

24 hr.

24 hr.

Boyle

24

27

26

24 hr.

24 hr.

24 hr.

Castlerea

24

29

30

24 hr.

24 hr.

24 hr.

Tuam

34

41

47

24 hr.

24 hr.

24 hr.

Athleague

1

2

2

10 a.m.-11 a.m.

6 p.m.-7 p.m.

Closed

Strokestown

3

3

3

10 a.m.-11 a.m.

6 p.m.-7 p.m.

Closed

Ballyforan

1

1

10 a.m.-11 a.m.

6 p.m.-7 p.m.

Closed

Creggs

1

1

1

10 a.m.-11 a.m.

6 p.m.-7 p.m.

Closed

Ballygar

3

3

3

10 a.m.-11 a.m.

6 p.m.-7 p.m.

Closed

Knockcroghery

1

1

1

10 a.m.-11 a.m.

6 p.m.-7 p.m.

Closed

Ahascragh

1

1

1

*1 hr. daily

Closed

Closed

Kilconnell

1

1

1

*1 hr. daily

Closed

Closed

Menlough

1

1

1

*1 hr. daily

Closed

Closed

Moylough

1

1

1

*1 hr. daily

Closed

Closed

Ballaghadereen

6

6

6

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Ballinlough

2

2

2

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

12 p.m.-2 p.m.

Loughlynn

2

2

1

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

12 p.m.-2 p.m.

12 p.m.-2 p.m.

Ballintubber

1

1

1

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

12 p.m.-2 p.m.

12 p.m.-2 p.m.

Elphin

3

3

3

10 a.m.-12 p.m.

10 a.m.-12 p.m.

10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Mountbellew

7

9

9

10 a.m.-2 p.m.,2 p.m.-5 p.m.

Closed

Closed

Taughmaconnell

1

1

1

10 a.m.-11 a.m.,6 p.m.-7 p.m.

10 a.m.-11 a.m.,6 p.m.-7 p.m.

Closed

Ballyfarnan

2

2

2

10 a.m.-11 a.m.,2-3 p.m. & 8-9 p.m.

10 a.m.-11 a.m.,2-3 p.m. & 8-9 p.m.

10 a.m.-11 a.m.,& 8-9 p.m.

Cootehall

0

1

1

10 a.m.-12 p.m.,2-3 p.m. & 8-9 p.m.

10 a.m.-11 a.m.,2-3 p.m. & 8-9 p.m.

10 a.m.-11 a.m.& 8-9 p.m.

Frenchpark

1

2

3

10 a.m.-12 p.m.,2-4 p.m. & 8-10 p.m.

10 a.m.-12 p.m.,2-4 p.m. & 8-10 p.m.

10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Keadue

1

1

1

10 a.m.-11 a.m.,2-3 p.m. & 8-9 p.m.

10 a.m.-11 a.m.,2-3 p.m. & 8-9 p.m.

10 a.m.-11 a.m.& 8-9 p.m.

Tulsk

1

2

1

10 a.m.-11 a.m.,2-3 p.m. & 8-9 p.m.

10 a.m.-11 a.m.,2-3 p.m. & 8-9 p.m.

10 a.m.-11 a.m.& 8-9 p.m.

Ballymoe

1

1

1

7 p.m.-8 p.m.

7 p.m.-8 p.m.

7 p.m.-8 p.m.

Kiltormer

1

1

Members attached to Ballinasloe deal with issues pertaining to Kiltormer

Closed

Closed

Clonark

1

1

Members attached to Ballinasloe deal with issues pertaining to Clonark

Closed

Closed

Williamstown

1

1

1

Mon.-Thurs.10 a.m.-11 a.m.Fri. 5-6 p.m.

10 a.m.-11 a.m.

12 p.m.-1 p.m.

Milltown

2

2

1

Mon.-Thurs.10 a.m.-11 a.m.Fri. 5-6 p.m.

5 p.m.-6 p.m.

12 p.m.-1 p.m.

Kilconly

1

1

1

Mon.-Thurs.10 a.m.-11 a.m.Fri. 5-6 p.m.

5 p.m.-6 p.m.

12 p.m.-1 p.m.

Glenamaddy

4

3

2

Mon.-Thurs.10 a.m.-11 a.m.Fri. 5-6 p.m.

5 p.m.-6 p.m.

12 p.m.-1 p.m.

Dunmore

4

4

3

Mon.-Thurs.10 a.m.-11 a.m.Fri. 5-6 p.m.

5 p.m.-6 p.m.

12 p.m.-1 p.m.

Corofin

1

2

2

Mon.-Thurs.10 a.m.-11 a.m.Fri. 5-6 p.m.

5 p.m.-6 p.m.

12 p.m.-1 p.m.

Barnadearg

1

1

1

Mon.-Thurs.10 a.m.-11 a.m.Fri. 5-6 p.m.

5 p.m.-6 p.m.

12 p.m.-1 p.m.

Total

231

251

258

*Open 1 hour daily with no set time.

Missing Persons.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

224 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons reported missing in 2005; the number who remained untraced at the end of 2005, in view of the information in the Garda Annual Report of 2005 that states that 5,997 persons were reported missing in 2005 with 75 persons left untraced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15353/07]

A clarification has been sought and will be communicated to the Deputy as soon as the information is received from the Garda authorities.

Garda Investigations.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

225 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the name and the rank of the member of An Garda Síochána who is handling the investigation into allegations made by a person (details supplied) in County Wexford in order that the individual will be able to provide documentation to the investigating officer. [15369/07]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that any documentation from the person referred to should be sent to the Commissioner, An Garda Síochána, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8. I am also informed that the complaint referred to has been referred to the Chief Superintendent, Cavan/Monaghan Garda Division for investigation.

Traffic Fines.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

226 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the new policy of traffic wardens and Gardaí of not placing parking fine notices or illegal parking notices on cars, making it immediately apparent to the motorist that a fine has been issued, but of only sending a notice in the post; and if he will recommend that this practice be discontinued. [15371/07]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that prior to the roll-out of the Fixed Charge Processing System on 3 April, 2006 a number of non-penalty point offences were dealt with by the fines on the spot system. Since 3 April, 2006 the use of hand-held devices and notepads replaced the fines on the spot system and all offences are now being dealt with under the Fixed Charge Processing System.

This system involves the detecting Garda or traffic warden recording the offences on either a hand-held terminal or a notepad. A fixed charge notice is then issued and posted from the National Processing Office to the owner of the vehicle as recorded on the National Vehicle File. It should be noted that traffic wardens are mainly employed by the local authorities. However, a number are still employed by the Garda Commissioner.

Port Status.

Joan Burton

Question:

227 Ms Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to private airports here; the private airports that have port of entry status; his proposals to grant port of entry status to private airports without such status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15382/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

228 Ms Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the application for port of entry status in relation to Weston Airport, a private airport in west Dublin; when the port of entry status will be examined; the financial implications in respect of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15383/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 227 and 228 together.

I refer the Deputy to my previous answer to Question Nos. 193 and 194 of 6 March, 2007 and Question 27 of the 4 April 2007. The position as set out in those answers has not changed. Section 6 of the Immigration Act 2004 provides, inter alia, that a non-national (other than a seaman) coming by sea or air from outside the State shall not, without the consent of the Minister for Justice Equality and Law Reform, land elsewhere than at an approved port. A non-national who lands in the State in contravention of this provision shall be deemed to be refused permission and shall be guilty of an offence.

The most recent list of approved ports is set out in the Immigration Act 2004 (Approved Ports) Regulations 2004. These are:

Carrickfinn Airport

Galway

Cobh

Galway Airport

Connaught Airport

Greencastle

Cork

Moville

Cork Airport

Rosslare Harbour

Dublin

Shannon Airport

Dublin Airport

Sligo Airport

Dún Laoghaire

Waterford

Farranfore Airport

Waterford Regional Airport

As I set out in my answer to the Deputy's previous Questions there is no distinction in Immigration legislation between privately and publicly owned ports nor between airports and seaports. Apart from the general application of the criminal law and its enforcement by an Garda Siochána and such general legal provisions applicable to an airport in the same way as to any other location, my role as regards the operation of such ports is in relation to immigration matters only. I have no function as regards the general operation of an airport, including its licensing or the approval of traffic volumes or air safety. Such matters are appropriate to the Department of Transport and the Irish Aviation Authority. There is also a central role for local authorities in respect of planning.

Applications for approved port status in respect of private or publicly owned airports will be considered in the context of overall government policy in the airport sector and generally will fall to be considered once these policy aspects in regard to any particularly area have been determined. I have an application at present in respect of Weston Aerodrome and this will be dealt with when appropriate within the policy framework I have outlined.

Motor Taxation.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

229 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Finance if he will exempt certain categories of people from the recent increase in registration tax on high powered vehicles when such vehicles are used by people with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14363/07]

I wish to assure the Deputy that there has been no recent increase in registration tax on high powered vehicles. As the Deputy will be aware, in Budget 2007 I announced that it is planned to review the current VRT system to take account of environmental issues, in particular Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions. A public consultation in this regard has commenced with a view to making such a move with effect from a target date of 1 January 2008. With respect to vehicles used by persons with certain disabilities, there continues to exist the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concession) Scheme which provides that persons who qualify under a specific medical criteria can purchase a car and qualify, subject to certain limits, for VRT and VAT refund on this purchase.

Motor Vehicle Registration.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

230 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance the action he will take to ensure that no car number plates will be provided to a person without the furnishing of verifying documentation to ensure the authenticity of the number plates sought; and if he will ensure that those who manufacture such number plates retain a record of such identifying documentation to ensure that false number plates are not readily available for criminal purposes. [14459/07]

The Revenue Commissioners are the vehicle registration authority in the State. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that under legislation, the format, dimensions and technical specifications of identification marks (vehicle registration plates) to be displayed on vehicles in the State are set out in Statutory Instrument (S.I.) 318/92 as amended by S.I. 432/99. The owner or driver of a vehicle is responsible for ensuring that his/her vehicle registration plates comply with the law and it is an offence under Section 139(1)(b) of the Finance Act 1992 to be in possession of a vehicle displaying a vehicle registration plate in a format other than as prescribed. The legislation does not impose any obligations or restrictions on the manufacture or supply of number plates as long as they comply with these specifications.

There are no plans at present to impose further regulatory control in this area, such as by regulating plate providers as current controls are satisfactory in the collection of VRT.

National Development Plan.

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

231 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Finance if there has been a strategic environmental assessment of the National Development Plan; if he will carry out such an assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13615/07]

It was not necessary to carry out a Strategic Environmental Assessment of the National Development Plan 2007-2013. The Plan is primarily a strategic document and indicative financial Plan. It is not unduly prescriptive as regards projects over the period and does not impact on the planning or environmental framework within which consent is given for individual projects. It accordingly does not fall within the framework of the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive and it was not therefore subject to a formal SEA. I would point out, however, that Environmental Sustainability is a key horizontal objective of the Plan and Chapter 6 of the Plan deals with this issue in some detail, including the positive impact of Plan investment on the environment.

Tax Code.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

232 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if a certificate of standard rate cut point and tax credits from the Revenue Commissioners will be issued for a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [14099/07]

The tax credits and standard rate cut off point for 2007 for the person in question were updated on 10 April 2007 and the appropriate certificate was issued on 11 April 2007.

Paudge Connolly

Question:

233 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Finance if he will ensure an adequate income for older women by abolishing VAT on fuel and on homecare costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14134/07]

The position is that the VAT treatment of goods and services is governed by EU law with which Irish VAT law must comply. The rate of VAT that applies to a particular good or service is determined by the nature of the good or service, and not by the status of the customer. There is no provision in European VAT law that would allow the application of an exemption or reduction of VAT on supplies of fuel to customers over a certain age. However, I would point out that in last years Budget the excise duty on Kerosene and LPG for home heating was reduced to zero with effect from the 1st January 2007. This measure follows through on the commitment in Budget 2006 when these rates were halved. This measure is estimated to cost €24 million in 2007.

In addition, late last year, in response to energy price increases, the Government took steps to improve the social welfare Household Benefits Package scheme by increasing the amount of electricity or gas entitlements covered under the scheme. This will benefit over 340,000 social welfare recipients and cost almost €50 million per annum.

In relation to the VAT treatment of homecare services, following an amendment to the VAT Act 1972 introduced in this years Finance Act, homecare services provided by private operators which are recognised by the HSE are exempt from VAT. This is an important measure designed to support the Government's initiative aimed at supporting the elderly and others who wish to continue living at home.

Jack Wall

Question:

234 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) has met all of their commitments in relation to PAYE deductions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14137/07]

I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the PAYE balancing statements which outline the taxpayer's liability to income tax for the years 2004, 2005 and 2006 was issued to him on 11 April 2007, together with cheques in settlement for overpayments arising in 2005 and 2006. For the year 2007, an amended certificate of tax credits and standard rate cut off point issued to the taxpayer on 10 April 2007, with appropriate adjustments made for the age tax credit and the tax liability due on his Old Age Contributory Pension.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

235 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance if he will address the unfairness of stamp duty on credit cards, being based on the number of cards held, rather than the amount owed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14143/07]

Stamp duty on credit card accounts has existed since 1982. The current annual rate of stamp duty is €40. The system of imposing a flat rate of stamp duty is simple, as issues such as the number of transactions on an account, the balances outstanding at different times and the value of transactions do not affect the amount payable. I have no plans to introduce changes which would make the system more complicated.

Richard Bruton

Question:

236 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if, in the scheme for VAT refunds on aids and appliances used by people with disabilities, he will include mobile homes to be used for holidays by the disabled person in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14168/07]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that paragraph (xixa) of the Second Schedule to the VAT Act 1972 (as amended) provides for the zero-rating of a range of medical equipment and appliances for use by disabled persons. In addition, to the zero-rating of the medical equipment specified in the Second Schedule, under the Value-Added Tax (Refund of Tax) (No. 15) Order 1981 repayment may be claimed of the VAT paid on certain special aids and appliances for people with disabilities. However, aids and appliances, which have not been specially constructed or adapted, but might reasonably be treated as having been adapted having regard to the particular disablement of a person may qualify. Therefore a VAT refund may be available on the cost of necessary adaptations to a caravan but not for on the overall cost of a caravan. The relief is also available in certain circumstances to persons other than disabled persons who purchase such goods for handing over to a particular disabled person.

Further information on VAT (Refund of Tax) (No. 15) Order, 1981 is available from VAT Unregistered Repayments Section, Office of the Revenue Commissioners, 3rd Floor, River House, Charlotte Quay, Limerick.

Ministerial Staff.

Phil Hogan

Question:

237 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Finance the names, titles, duties and dates of appointment of each of the special advisers, political advisers, personal assistants and press officers appointed by him; the salary level of each appointee including payments in lieu of pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14206/07]

I have appointed Mr Gerry Steadman (30 September 2004) and Mr Colin Hunt (11 September 2006) as Special Advisers as set out in Section 11 of the Public Service Management Act, 1997, which provides that a Special Adviser provides advice to me and monitors, facilitates and secures the achievement of Government objectives that relate to my Department, and performs such other functions as may be directed by me. Mr Gerry Steadman is a serving civil servant. Mr Colin Hunt concurrently provides special adviser role to myself and the Minister for Transport. However, he is engaged under a single contract of employment with the Minister for Transport and is paid by that Department. I have also appointed Ms Sinead Dooley (8 October 2004) and Ms Elaine Hogan (11 October 2004) as Personal Assistant and Personal Secretary respectively to provide administrative/secretarial support to me. The salary scales in each case are set out in the following table.

Title

Salary Scale

Mr Steadman

€61,755 – €77,703 + 10% allowance

Personal Assistant

€43,445 – € 55,147

Personal Secretary

€28,523 – €45,262

Tax Code.

Enda Kenny

Question:

238 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a group of people (details supplied) have been excluded from the Irish Seafarers Tax Allowance Scheme and that this group meet the three qualifying conditions for this tax allowance, however, are excluded under the Finance Act 1998, Section 14 Paragraph (3) (a) (ii); his plans to amend this legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14230/07]

Section 472B of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 is the legislative basis for the seafarers' allowance. Where the section applies, a deduction of €6,350 is available to a qualifying individual, who is resident in the State, against income arising to him or her from a qualifying employment. Subsection (3)(a) specifically excludes circumstances where an employment is:

an employment the emoluments of which are paid out of the revenue of the state, or

an employment with any board, authority or other similar body established in the State by or under statute.

Accordingly, the allowance is not available to State employees such as, for example, Navy personnel, or employees of statutory bodies established in the State. In all other circumstances a qualifying individual must show that he or she was absent from the State for at least 161 days in a year of assessment for the purposes of performing the duties of a qualifying employment in order for the allowance to apply for that year.

A "qualifying employment" is one which is performed on a "sea going ship"on a voyage which begins or ends in a port outside the State or at a rig, platform or installation in a maritime area. The term "sea-going ship" excludes ships other than ships, registered in a member state of the European Communities, which are used solely for the trade of carrying by sea passengers or cargo for reward. Fishing vessels are also excluded.

EU approval of the allowance was received on the basis of the above conditions under the EU State Aid Guidelines relating to the maritime transport sector.

In summary, the allowance was aimed at, and is available to, employees of commercial, EU registered, passenger ferries and freight carrying vessels, including employees of vessels servicing drilling rigs in any maritime area.

On the basis of the information available to the Revenue Commissioners, the group of people in question are excluded from entitlement to the seafarers' allowance as:they are employees of a statutory body, and the activities of their employer do not constitute the trade of carrying, by sea, passengers or cargo for reward. I have no plans at this time to amend the legislation in question.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

239 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Finance when the cleaning of a river details supplied) in County Donegal will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14256/07]

The channel in question does not form part of any scheme for which my Office has a maintenance responsibility under the Arterial Drainage Acts. OPW officials have not been made aware of any flooding in the area concerned. Therefore, my Office currently has no plans to carry out work on this channel.

Prison Building Programme.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

240 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance the arrangements made with the multi-disciplinary design team producing a redevelopment plan for the Mountjoy sale site, including the main terms of such contract; the persons involved; their qualifications; and the amounts paid to them to date and payable in the future. [14276/07]

The Commissioners of Public Works have appointed a multi-disciplinary Design Team, headed by Heneghan Peng Architects, in order to seek full Planning Permission for the re-development of the Mountjoy Prison site. The total value of the contract is €2,042,679 excluding VAT, of which €408,535.80 excluding VAT , has been paid to date. Details of the Conditions of Contract are set out below in Appendix A. Particulars of the Design Team are contained in Appendix B.

Appendix A

The Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland (CPW)

Mountjoy Site Redevelopment

SERVICES

CONDITIONS OF CONTRACT

1. Definitions:—

1.1The "Contracting Authority" is the Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland (CPW) 51/52 St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland.

1.2The "Project" means the Redevelopment of the Mountjoy Site of some 7.9ha for CPW at North Circular Road, Dublin 7.

1.3The "Contract Documents" mean the Instructions to Tenderers, Form of Tender, Brief of Services Required and Conditions of Contract.

1.4The "Lead Consultant" means the Architect in the partnership or company appointed by CPW who will contract with CPW and shall be identified in the Contract as the Consultant who alone shall have primary responsibility and liability for the performance of the full range of Services, notwithstanding the appointment by such Consultant of the other Members of the Grouping as Sub-Consultants. Such Sub-Consultants will be required to execute and provide collateral (direct) Warranties to CPW in the form set out in Appendix 1. The Architect of the Services Team will co-ordinate and direct the inputs from other Consultants involved in the Project and provide information to, discuss proposals with and co-ordinate and incorporate the input of these Sub-Consultants.

1.5"VAT" means Irish Value Added Tax.

2. Indicative Period for Completion of Services

CPW envisages that a Planning Application will be lodged with the Local Authority at the end of December 2006. The Planning process may then take some 3 months with the possibility of Requests for Further Information (RFI) and Third Party Appeals extending this period by a further 6 months. If Third Party Appeals lead to An Bord Pleanala Oral hearings etc., this indicative time period could be extended to 12 months.

The Services Provider shall facilitate this indicative timeframe or as may be amended by CPW.

N.B. No increase in the lump sum fee tendered will be given, if the above indicative timeframe changes.

3.Health and Safety Duties of the Services Provider

The fee for this shall be deemed to be part of the tendered fee.

4. Skill, Care and Diligence

The Services Provider shall have and shall exercise all reasonable skill and care in the provision of the services and duties to be performed or undertaken by them and shall carry them out diligently and in good time and with all necessary resources.

5.Collaboration with other Services Team Members

The Lead Consultant shall collaborate fully and intensively with CPW and with the other members of the Services Team at all stages of the Project and shall provide them with any necessary information reasonably required for their purposes and with copies of such documents, as may be required by them.

6. Professional Indemnity Insurance

Each Member of Grouping/Entity, shall maintain Professional Indemnity Insurance for 6 (six) years after the date of receipt of Planning Permission for the Project (with a well established and reputable insurance office or underwriter of repute carrying on business in the European Union) with a limit of indemnity not less than €2.54m for any one occurrence arising out of any one event arising out of any negligence, omission or default on the part of the Grouping/Entity. As and when the Grouping/Entity is reasonably requested to do so by the Contracting Authority the Grouping/Entity shall produce for inspection sufficient documentary evidence that the insurance required under this Clause is being maintained in accordance with the terms of this Document.

7. Tax Clearance

It shall be a condition of the award of this Contract that the successful Grouping/Entity be able to produce promptly a Tax Clearance Certificate or, in the case of a non-resident, a Statement from the Revenue Commissioners in Ireland confirming suitability on tax grounds. In the event of a Group bid, this condition shall apply in respect of each and every member of the Group bid.

8. Scope of Works

CPW reserves the right to amend the "redevelopment of the Mountjoy Site — Scope of Works" (as set out in Section 4 of this Document) and to require amendments to the design in line with the development of the Master Plan. The Services Provider shall have no entitlement to increase the fee tendered as a result of any such change.

9. Financing of the Project and basis of Fee

The Services Provider shall be paid for the Services required, under the headings:—

(1)Lump Sum Fees or per hour/ per diem rates if or where applicable (see Sections 2 and 3 of this document).

The Lump Sum shall not include VAT or any similar tax payable on professional fees. Any such taxes shall be added separately to the fees calculated in accordance with the above.

Tenderers should note, in particular, that fees will not be paid on VAT at any time.

Lump sum for expenses

The sum quoted in the Services Provider Tender for expenses shall cover all items of expenses, howsoever arising, to enable the Services required to be performed.

Time spent in travelling shall not be payable as an extra cost.

VAT on expenses shall be shown separately.

10. Additional Fees

Additional fees may be paid for additional professional services at the tendered per hour/per diem rate.

Before any work, meriting additional fees, on a time basis, is carried out, CPW must be informed that such work will involve extra fees and CPW's formal approval to the carrying out of the work must be obtained. It must be clearly established that the work in question is not such as would be reasonably expected to be covered within the "Brief of Services Required" specified in Section 6 of this Document.

11. Payments

Fees upon completion of:—

(a)Initial Stage up to and including presentation of a Master Plan and its agreement with CPW.

(b)Development of Master Plan Stage.

(c)Development of Planning Application and E.I.A Documentation Stage.

(d)Submission of Planning Application Stage.

—all as specified in the "Brief of Services Required" (Section 6 of this Document) shall be 20%, 30%, 30%, 15% and for (a), (b), (c), (d) respectively of the Lump Sum tendered. CPW will pay the final 5% of the Lump Sum tendered on validation of the Planning Application by the Planning Authority.

All payments will be contingent on the Services provider having a then current Tax Clearance Certificate or Statement from the Revenue Commissioners in Ireland confirming suitability on Tax grounds.

12. VAT

The addition made for VAT in the Tender sum shall be regarded as a Provisional Sum. In the Tender it shall be calculated at 21% of the Tender before tax prior to any payments issuing. In any payment invoices it shall be calculated at such rate(s), applied to the Invoice before tax, as may be properly decided by the Revenue Commissioners in Ireland under the powers vested in them by the Value Added Tax Act, 1972, but shall exclude any over-payments made or penalties incurred under the Act.

13. Withholding Tax

Payment on foot of the Services Contract shall be subject to Irish Withholding Tax at the rate of 20% (or as amended) as laid down by the Revenue Commissioners in Ireland. Non-residents may be able to reclaim such deducted Tax from the Office of the Revenue Commissioners in Ireland, International Claims Section located currently at Government Buildings, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary, Ireland (Tel: 01-6774211).

14. Proceeding with Project

While it is envisaged that the Project will proceed to conclusion, CPW shall have no liability to the Services Provider arising out of any failure to proceed with the Project, in respect of any costs, losses or expenses (whatsoever or howsoever arising and including without limitation, loss of profit or contribution to overheads) save in respect of any fees or expenses properly due pursuant to acceptance of the Services Provider Tender for Services provided prior to the making of the decision not to proceed.

Furthermore, if CPW decides not to proceed with the Project, (or any part thereof) for whatever reason, the Services Provider shall have no entitlement or right by virtue of acceptance of Tender or otherwise, to participate in any future development work at the site at North Circular Road, Dublin 7, unless CPW expressly agrees in writing by further Appointment.

15. Abandonment of the Services Contract

The Services Contract will be deemed to be abandoned if instructions necessary for the Services Provider to continue the work are not received from CPW within nine calendar months after such instructions were formally requested. If a Contract, which has been postponed is resumed without substantial alterations within two years any fees paid shall be deemed to be payment on account towards the total fees payable on the execution of the Services.

16. Termination of the Services Contract

CPW shall have the right of optional termination of the Services Contract on thirty days notice subject to an entitlement on the part of the Services Provider to be paid such part of the fee and expenses as is proportionate to the part of the total Service performed at the date of the issue of the termination notice.

17.Assignment of the Services Contract by the Services Provider

The Services Provider shall not assign his interest in the Services Contract to any other party without the agreement of CPW.

18.Assignment of the Services Contract by Commissioners of Public Works (CPW)

The Services Contract may be assigned by CPW, by means of absolute legal assignment to another person taking an assignment of CPW's interest in the project, without the consent of the Services Provider being required and such assignment shall be effective upon written notice.

19. Copyright

The copyright in all designs, drawings, reports, specifications, consents, papers and other similar documents produced by the Services Provider in connection with the Project (theDocuments) shall remain vested in the Services Provider but CPW shall have a perpetual, non-exclusive, irrevocable and assignable royalty free licence to reproduce, copy and use the Documents for all purposes connected with the Project. The licence granted to the CPW shall include a right for CPW to grant sub-licences.

CPW shall be entitled (at its own cost) to full and proper copies of the Documents in the possession or control of the Services Provider and the Services Provider will not claim copyright or a lien in respect of them against CPW.

20. Law

The Services Contract will be interpreted and construed in accordance with the laws of Ireland.

21. Irish Building Control Act 1990

The law applicable to design and construction of work in Ireland is the Irish Building Control Act 1990 and any Regulations made thereunder.

22. Language

The Services Provider shall provide all services in the English Language.

23. Disputes

Any dispute arising out of this Contract shall be referred to the Arbitration of a person to be mutually agreed upon or, failing agreement, of some person nominated by the Chairman for the time being of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (if the Chairman is willing to so nominate) and any such reference shall be deemed to be a submission to Arbitration within the meaning of the Arbitration Act, 1954, or any statutory re-enactment thereof for the time being in force.

24. Collateral Agreement

The Services Provider shall be required to execute, when requested by the Contracting Authority, a Collateral Agreement in the form set out in Appendix I attached.

Appendix B

Mountjoy Prison — Redevelopment Project:

Design Team:

Heneghan Peng — Architects & Design Team Leader

Arthur Gibney & Partners — Conservation Architects

Tiros Resources Ltd — Planning Consultants

Buro Happold — Services Engineers

Buro Happold — Fire Consultants

Michael Punch & Partners — Structural Engineers

Faber Maunsell — Traffic Consultants

Irish Archaeology Consultancy Ltd — Archaeology

Boyd Creed Sweet — Quantity Surveyors

H O K — Property Consultant

Tiros — Landscape & Visual Impact

Scott Cawley — Flora & Fauna

Awn Consulting — Waste Management, Noise, Air Quality

Pension Provisions.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

241 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance the number of State employees, either civil servants or State agency employees, who have had any of their entitlements or retirement allowances withheld due to payments levied on them in respect of legal costs claimed by the State but not ordered by the courts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14406/07]

As Minister for Finance I have primary responsibility for civil service pensions. Other Ministers have primary responsibility for pensions in their own respective areas. As regards serving staff, I can only respond in relation to my own Department.

There is a facility under Report No. 1276 of the Civil Service General Council whereby, in cases involving financial loss to the Exchequer, the amount of the loss, plus interest, can be recovered by means of deduction from superannuation entitlements. However, I am not aware of any case in the Civil Service where entitlements or retirement allowances were withheld in respect of legal costs claimed by the State but not ordered by the Courts, nor have there been any cases involving serving staff in my own Department.

Tax Code.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

242 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the justification for the imposition of a stamp duty on banks for credit and laser cards; and the action he has taken to ensure that this tax is not passed on to customers. [14453/07]

Stamp duty exists on various financial cards in order to provide Exchequer revenue. The stamp duty on cheques has existed for many years and when electronic means of money transfers were subsequently introduced, stamp duty was gradually extended to these products to ensure that the stamp duty from cheques was not eroded. The stamp duty is payable by the financial institutions who are entitled to recover the amounts paid from their customers.

Jack Wall

Question:

243 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Finance if a person donates a building site to a family member for their own personal use as a site for a personal family home, the transaction will be effected by taxation criteria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14456/07]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a transfer of a building site, in the circumstances outlined, would have implications for a number of taxes. The person concerned would be well advised to seek specific advice from a tax professional. The general practice is as follows.

Capital Gains Tax (CGT)

The transfer of a site is a chargeable occasion for the transferor. As the parties are connected the disposal proceeds are taken as the market value of the site at the date of transfer.

The CGT payable is calculated by reference to the difference between the disposal proceeds and the cost of the site after allowable adjustments for inflation and the costs of acquisition and disposal. The first €1,270 of an individual's annual gains is exempt. The balance is chargeable at 20%.

Relief from CGT is available where a parent transfers a site to a child to enable the child construct a dwelling house for use as his or her only or main residence. For this relief the value of the site must not exceed €254,000 and the size of the site must not exceed 1 acre (excluding the area of the house).

A separate and distinct relief may also apply where an individual, aged 55 years or over, disposes of land which he/she has owned and used for farming or a trade throughout the period of 10 years ending on the disposal. Both reliefs are subject to conditions and in certain circumstances may be clawed back.

Capital Acquisitions Tax (Gift and Inheritance Tax)

The transfer of a site is a gift made to that family member and whether gift tax arises on that gift depends on the circumstances.

For the purpose of Gift and Inheritance Tax, the relationship between the person who provided the gift or inheritance (the disponer) and the person who received the gift or inheritance (the beneficiary), determines the maximum tax-free threshold- known as the " Group threshold". Apart from the total exemption of transfers between spouses, there are three Group thresholds based on the relationship of the beneficiary to the disponer and these Group thresholds are indexed annually by reference to the Consumer Price Index as published by the Central Statistics Office.

The indexed Group thresholds for 2007 are as follows:

Group A: €496,824. This applies to gifts/inheritances received by a child, a stepchild and a foster child from a parent. Group A also applies in certain circumstances to gifts/inheritances received by a parent from a child and by a grandchild from a grandparent.

Group B: €49,682. This applies to gifts/ inheritances received by brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, grandchildren and parents.

Group C: €24,841. This applies to gifts/ inheritances received by a beneficiary who does not come under Group A or B. Any other gifts/inheritances that might have been received by the beneficiary from within the same Group since 5 December 1991 will also be taken into account when applying the threshold for the purposes of calculating the gift/inheritance tax on the donation of the building site. If the total value of all gifts and inheritances received by the beneficiary since this date from within the same Group is above the threshold figure, then a 20% rate of gift/ inheritance tax will apply on the excess over the threshold figure.

Finally, where both Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) both arise on a gift of an asset, the CGT paid can be allowed as a credit or offset against the CAT liability.

Stamp Duty

A gift of a building site attracts a stamp duty liability on the basis of the market value of the site transferred. The normal stamp duty payable is reduced by 50% where the gift is between family members who are related to a certain degree (e.g. parents, children, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews).

Section 83A of the Stamp Duties Consolidation Act 1999 provides for an exemption from stamp duty where a parent transfers a site to a child to enable the child construct a dwelling house for use as his or her only or main residence. As is the case with Capital Gains Tax, the value of the site must not exceed €254,000 and the size of the site must not exceed 1 acre (excluding the area of the house).

Paul Kehoe

Question:

244 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance if, due to the delay in on-farm inspections in order to approve the payment of grants, he will take action to alleviate the necessity of farmers having to submit the original invoice in respect of the VAT refunds (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14553/07]

The position is that claims made by unregistered farmers for refund of VAT are made under the Value Added Tax (Refund of Tax) (No. 25) Order, 1993.

Under this Order farmers are required to submit original invoices in support of the claim. However, as explained in the claim form, where farmers want to have the original invoices returned to them, they should also enclose a set of photocopies. I understand from the Revenue Commissioners that, when requested, the original invoices are returned without delay.

Road Signage.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

245 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance if signage will be improved on all approach roads to an abbey (details supplied) in County Wexford in order to cater for visitors from outside the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14567/07]

The OPW have been liaising with the National Roads Authority (NRA) recently in relation to their new guidelines governing the introduction of signage on public roads. It is intended, following these discussions, to assess the position regarding all signage, including the site in question.

Tax Code.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

246 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Galway is entitled to a refund of stamp duty paid on a house which they purchased in view of the fact that they are a single parent and in receipt of social welfare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14585/07]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that, based on the details given in the deed which was executed in this case, the person referred to by the Deputy is not a first time buyer. Accordingly, stamp duty at the rate of 5% (amounting to €13,500) was assessed and paid on a secondhand residential property costing €270,000. There is no statutory provision for exemption or relief from stamp duty for single parents or individuals in receipt of social welfare payments.

Flood Relief.

Michael Ring

Question:

247 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Finance if a report has been carried out (details supplied); if he will provide this Deputy with a copy of same; and the action the Office of Public Works will take if the local authority will not deal with this issue through the planning process. [14591/07]

Michael Ring

Question:

248 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Finance the information which the Office of Public Works has in relation to a channel of a river (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will provide a copy of it to this Deputy. [14592/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 247 and 248 together.

Mayo County Council sought a hydrological analysis of the impact of the development in question from the developer. In this context, the Council requested details of any data available to the OPW in relation to the condition of the channel. The Commissioners replied on 2nd April. A copy of this letter will be provided to the Deputy. The OPW drawings referred to in the letter are available for viewing in OPW's office in Headford.

The enforcement of planning requirements is a matter for the Local Authority. The OPW will continue to work with Mayo County Council to reduce the risk of flooding in Crossmolina. Mitigating works are currently being undertaken by the Council as a preliminary to a joint study to identify a comprehensive solution to the problem.

Firearms Licences.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

249 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Finance if the increases in firearms licence fees provided for in the Finance Act 2007 were recommended by the Department of Justice. Equality and Law Reform; if other submissions were considered by him in determining the rate of increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14618/07]

Richard Bruton

Question:

254 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the reason for the scale of increase in firearm licence fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14769/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

255 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if he has received correspondence in relation to firearms licence fees; his plans to address this issue in early course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14824/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 249, 254 and 255 together.

At the request of the Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform, the Finance Act 2007 provided for new three-year rates for Firearm Certificates and for registration duties for Firearm Dealers to replace the existing annual rates and the introduction of four new categories of certificate/authorisation/licence. This move follows provisions in the Criminal Justice Act 2006, which require that firearm certificates and firearms dealers registrations will be renewable every 3 years from the date of issue/registration. The administration of firearm certificates is dealt with by the Garda Síochána with the excise duty collected being remitted to the Revenue Commissioners.

The rationale for moving from an annual to a three-year lifespan for these certificates/ registrations is primarily to free up Garda time and resources. Because there are 170,000 registered firearms in circulation, currently there is considerable time spent in ensuring compliance in this area. These changes come into effect on 31 December 2007.

Excise duty rates on firearm certificates and firearms dealer registrations were last increased in the Finance Act 1992 and consequently it was deemed appropriate that they be adjusted to take account of CPI increases since then. Therefore the new rates take account of i) the fact that the new rates now covers three years rather than one year, and ii) inflation since 1992 (i.e. 15 years). My Department has received a number of representations with respect to these changes.

Tax Collection.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

250 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance if the Revenue Commissioners will consider a grant of postponement of liability to the collection of the inheritance tax on hardship grounds in the circumstances of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14675/07]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that under the Capital Acquisitions Tax Consolidation Act 2003 the Revenue Commissioners do not have the power to waive gift or inheritance tax properly due. However Section 59 of that Act does provide for the postponement of tax by the Commissioners where excessive hardship would be involved. The Revenue Commissioners Statement of Practice (SP-CAT/1/90) outlines the practice and procedure to be followed in relation to applications for postponement of payment of tax and each case is examined on an individual basis. The Statement of Practice can be accessed on the Revenue Commissioners Website: www.revenue.ie.

However, given the circumstances of the person concerned he may be entitled to claim dwelling house relief under Section 151 of the Finance Act 2000 on this inheritance. This Section provides that inheritances of a dwelling house taken on or after 1 December 1999 will be exempt from capital acquisitions tax provided that the following conditions are complied with—

the recipient must have occupied the dwelling house continuously as his or her only or main residence for a period of three years prior to the date of the gift or inheritance

the recipient must not at the date of the gift or inheritance be beneficially entitled to any other dwelling-house or to any interest in any other dwelling house

the recipient must continue, except where such recipient was aged 55 years at the date of the inheritance, or has died, to occupy that dwelling-house as his or her only or main residence for a period of 6 years commencing on the date of the gift or inheritance.

If the person concerned has any further queries in relation to the dwelling house exemption he can contact the staff of the Revenue Commissioners Capital Acquisitions Tax Advisory Unit on Lo-call 1890 20 11 04 who will provide him with any further information required. Further information is also available on the Revenue Commissioners Website: www.revenue.ie.

Tax Code.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

251 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance if there are tax reliefs available for high performance athletes for the costs incurred in their training, equipment and attending competition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14676/07]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that there are no specific tax reliefs available for high performance athletes. However, there are a number of general provisions in the tax code which may apply to some high performance athletes where those athletes are engaged in athletic performance on a professional for profit basis. In such cases, a professional athlete would be entitled, for tax purposes, to set against his or her earnings from athletic performance all costs incurred in training and attending competitions where those costs are incurred wholly and exclusively for the purposes of his or her athletic profession. Capital allowances may also be available for expenditure incurred on the purchase of equipment for use by such a professional athlete for the purposes of his or her training or performing as an athlete. Capital allowances would allow the cost of any such equipment to be written off over 8 years at the rate of 12.5% per annum.

In addition, section 480A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 makes provision for relief from income tax in respect of certain earnings of sportspersons listed in Schedule 23A of that Act. The sportspersons concerned are: athlete, badminton player, boxer, cyclist, footballer, golfer, jockey, motor racing driver, rugby player, squash player, swimmer and tennis player. The earnings to which the relief applies are earnings deriving directly from actual participation in the sport concerned such as prize money and performance fees, but not other earnings such as sponsorship fees, advertisement income or income from endorsements. The relief takes the form of a deduction from earnings equal to 40% of those earnings for up to any ten years of assessment back to and including the tax year 1990/91 for which the sportsperson was resident in the State. The relief is given by way of repayment of tax and is claimed in the year in which the sportsperson ceases permanently to be engaged in that sport provided they are resident in the State in that year. There are provisions whereby relief granted may be withdrawn if the person subsequently recommences participation in that sport, though this does not prevent a subsequent claim for the relief if and when the sportsperson finally retires at a later time.

I would also point out that over €274 million has been allocated by the Government to Sports and Recreation Services for 2007, a 41% increase on the figure for 2006. This includes an allocation of over €2 million to Ireland's elite athletes and players in grants under the International Carding Scheme administered by the Irish Sports Council, which is the statutory body responsible for the development of sport. This scheme provides direct support in terms of grant-aid and indirect support in terms of sport science and medical backup to athletes.

Departmental Offices.

Richard Bruton

Question:

252 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance when building will commence on the offices for the District Vet Office for County Leitrim based in Drumshanbo; when tenders will be sought for construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14767/07]

Tenders have recently been received and are currently being examined. It is anticipated that a contract will be awarded by mid May with work commencing on site in June 2007.

Richard Bruton

Question:

253 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the cost to his Department regarding the provision of temporary offices for the DVO for County Leitrim based in Drumshanbo; and the rental cost and other maintenance costs per year to the Office of Public Works of the same building. [14768/07]

The annual rent for the provision of temporary office accommodation for the District Veterinary Office in Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim is €51,500 plus VAT. The cost of fitting out the offices to the requirements of the Department of Agriculture & Food was €130,000 plus VAT.

Questions Nos. 254 and 255 answered with Question No. 249.

Tax Code.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

256 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance the tax relief available to commuters who travel by train to work. [14842/07]

Section 118(5A) of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides for an exemption from benefit-in-kind tax where an employer provides a monthly/ annual rail or bus pass to employees or directors. From 1 January 2004 this also includes passes for travel on the Luas. The exemption was further extended with effect from the 1 January 2005 to include passes for travel on commuter ferry services which operate within the State in respect of journeys which begin and end in the State.

The bus, rail or ferry pass is one that is issued by either:

CIE or any of its subsidiaries (e.g. Bus Eireann, Iarnrod Eireann, Bus Atha Cliath); or

a private bus operator holding a passenger licence under Section 7 of the Road Transport Act 1932; or

a person who provides a passenger transport service under an arrangement entered into by CIE in accordance with Section 13(1) of the Transport Act 1950; or

a person who has entered into an arrangement with the Railway Procurement Agency, in accordance with section 43(6) of the Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001 to operate a railway; or

a person who provides a ferry service within the State, operating a vessel which holds a current valid (1) passenger ship safety certificate, (2) passenger boat licence, or (3) high-speed craft safety certificate, issued by the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. It is to be noted that this exemption applies only where passes are purchased by the employer and given to the employees.

Additionally, in the specific context of the provision of bus/rail and ferry passes, the exemption referred to above may also apply where employees agree to sacrifice salary with the employer purchasing the train, bus or rail pass with such salary sacrificed by the employee. In this latter context, the conditions to apply for the tax exemption to apply are as follows

there must be a bona fide and enforceable alteration to the terms and conditions of employment (exercising a choice of benefit instead of salary);

the alteration must not be retrospective and must be evidenced in writing;

there must be no entitlement to exchange the benefit for cash;

the choice exercised (i.e. a benefit instead of cash) cannot be made more frequently than once a year and then only with the consent of the employer.

Where the conditions are met:

the employee will not be chargeable to tax on the remuneration sacrificed; and

the corresponding amount paid by the employer to provide a monthly or annual bus/rail or ferry pass will not be regarded as a taxable perquisite.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

257 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance if an application for tax refund on refuse charges has been received from a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and when he expects a decision on same. [14857/07]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that an application for tax refund on refuse charges has been received and was processed on 16 April. Notices of assessment have issued for 2004, 2005 and 2006. A tax refund of €316.59 arises for the year 2005 and a cheque for this amount issued on 19 April. There is no refund due for 2004 and 2006 as no tax was paid in those years. An amended certificate of tax credits dated 16 April issued to the person's employer for the current year and his employer, through the operation of the PAYE system, will make any refund due for this year.

Political Representations.

Joan Burton

Question:

258 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Finance the number of representations from TDs that the Revenue Commissioners have received for each of the years, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007; the number of representations received by the Revenue Commissioners from himself for each of these years; the number of his representations that resulted in a payment being made to the person on whose behalf the representation was made for each of these years; the total sum paid out as a result of the representations from him for each of the years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14873/07]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that 816 representations were received from TDs in 2005 and 854 in 2006. Figures for 2007 are not available in the time available and will be sent to the Deputy as soon as possible. (The figures for each year may not include a small number of representations which would have been made on Human Resource matters related to Revenue staff). Revenue figures indicate that they received 130 representations from me in 2005, 94 in 2006 and 53 to date in 2007.

Political representations are a longstanding feature of a parliamentary democracy and both Revenue and the members of the Oireachtas have traditionally operated on a strict understanding of the constraints within which such representations must function. While members of the Oireachtas, including members of the Government, reserve the right to articulate a constituent's concerns, it is accepted that the Revenue Commissioners must remain steadfastly independent in their interpretation and application of the law as enacted.

I assure the Deputy, and the Revenue Commissioners confirm, that payments are not made as a result of such representations being made by me or anyone else. Where a payment is made by Revenue, it is always on the basis of entitlement to the payment and a valid claim having been made or requisite information having been provided.

The Revenue Commissioners have indicated that they are satisfied that all such representations are dealt with in a professional manner, at an appropriate level in their offices.

Flood Relief.

Michael Ring

Question:

259 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Finance if a local authority (details supplied) has carried out a report on an issue; if this report has been carried out; the proposals that have been made; and the estimated cost to resolve the problems which have been identified. [14878/07]

I am advised that Mayo County Council has prepared a report on flooding in South Mayo. The report has identified a number of proposals to solve the problems in the different areas, many of which relate to flooding of roads. The Office of Public Works is in consultation with the Council in relation to the report and will provide assistance where appropriate under the initiative, which I established to help Local Authorities to deal with flooding in areas where the cost works is in line with the social and economic benefits of the measures required.

The estimated costs of the measures proposed are very tentative at this stage and it would be contrary to good practise to publicise them.

Motor Vehicle Registration.

Marian Harkin

Question:

260 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Finance if there is flexibility with regard to payment of vehicle registration tax on a vehicle (details supplied). [14899/07]

I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they are investigating the matter and will examine whether the request can be acceded to under the relevant legislation. They will make contact with the person concerned shortly in this regard.

Departmental Correspondence.

Denis Naughten

Question:

261 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Finance, further to Parliamentary Questions No. 306 of 20 March 2007 and No. 193 of 5 April 2007, the status of the contracts for sale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14946/07]

Clarification of technical queries is currently taking place and will be completed by 27th April 2007. The responses will be sent to the Chief State Solicitors Office for transmission to the Vendors Solicitor as in the normal process of conveyancing.

Tax Code.

Michael Ring

Question:

262 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo is entitled to an income tax refund. [14949/07]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the person concerned is due a small refund of less than €40.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

263 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if med 1 or med 2 claims in respect of osteopathic or chiropractic treatment in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will apply or if they will receive a refund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15062/07]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a Med 1 claim for relief in respect of osteopathic or chiropractic treatment is only allowable if the osteopath or chiropractor is a practitioner as defined in section 469 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 which provides for health expenses relief.

Under the legislation, "practitioner" means any person who is—

(a) registered in the register established under section 26 of the Medical Practitioners Act 1978,

(b) registered in the register established under section 26 of the Dentists Act 1985, or,

(c) in relation to health care provided outside the State, entitled under the laws of the country in which the care is provided to practise medicine or dentistry there.

The taxpayer included a claim for an osteopath, under the heading of physiotherapy on his Med 1 as well as other health expenses. He omitted to confirm that the osteopath was a qualified practitioner registered in accordance with the requirements of section 469 as set out above. He has been asked to provide this confirmation. If such confirmation is received a refund will be made. The balance of the taxpayer's claim was repaid on 2 April 2007.

Employment Rights.

John Deasy

Question:

264 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Finance when he will implement the European Union legislation contained in Article 39 EC and Article 7.1 of Regulation No. 1612/68; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the implementation of these articles would allow a small number of Irish civil servants receive recognition of previous service in the civil services of other EU States in terms of salary scale, incremental credit and seniority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15074/07]

These Articles concern the employment rights of workers moving from one Member State to another. Article 48 of Regulation No. 1612/68 states that it is binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States. Consequently applications from any Irish Civil Servants seeking recognition for their previous service in the Civil Service of other Member States are dealt with in accordance with these Articles and in the context of the relevant Irish Civil Service-wide agreements. This applies to their conditions of employment including those to which the Deputy refers.

Tax Code.

Willie Penrose

Question:

265 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Finance the steps he will take to have any tax refund due to a person (details supplied) processed as quickly as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15113/07]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the claim to repayment for the named individual has been processed.

Health Levy.

Willie Penrose

Question:

266 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are pensioners who are currently on €472 per week, and as a result of the 3% national agreement increase will see their pensions rise to €486 per week and will have same significantly reduced as a result of having to pay €9.70 per week in respect of the 2% health levy contribution, thereby effectively reducing the increase to €4.30 per week; if, in this context, consideration will be given to just applying the levy to the portion of the person’s income, which is in excess of the weekly threshold, by way of application of marginal rate increases in such circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15114/07]

The legal basis for the Health Contributions levy is contained in the Health Contributions Act 1979, as amended, and associated regulations.

The levy is charged at a rate of 2% on a person's total income from all sources with only a few exceptions e.g. social welfare payments such as the widow or widowers pension. Those aged 70 or over are exempt from the levy by virtue of entitlement to the medical card. However, the charge arises only where a person's income exceeds an annual threshold. This threshold was increased to €480 per week or €24,960 annually in Budget 2007. In the last three years, the threshold has been raised by almost 35%.

The levy threshold was introduced in 1995 in order to provide assistance for those on low incomes. Where a person's income exceeds the income threshold, he or she becomes liable for the levy on all his or her income. This is known as the "step" effect.

The introduction of a marginal relief system to minimise the step effect, as suggested by the Deputy, would introduce a level of additional complexity into the levy system and would be costly to implement.

There are no plans to change the health levy system along the lines suggested. However, as with all reliefs, the threshold for the health levy is reviewed regularly, in particular in the context of the annual Budget.

Departmental Expenditure.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

267 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Finance the reason he has not supplied the detailed answer to a previous parliamentary question (details supplied) which is with his Department since 22 February 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15359/07]

Details of expenditure on the property referred to by the Deputy for 2004, 2005 and 2006 have been compiled and are set out below. The balance of the data sought, for 2001, 2002 and 2003, is still being compiled. The compilation of this detailed data for a three year period as requested by the Deputy is a time consuming and expensive process in terms of staff time as it has to be collated from a number of different sources and is largely held in manual format.

Work Classification

Job Description

2004

2005

2006

Grand Total

Build: Works-Improvement Works

6,738

4,085

10,823

Clean up outside of building

3,861

3,861

Disconnecting Supply Cables

240

240

Removal of portacabin from customs site

224

224

Removal of Portacabin No. 2

6,498

6,498

Electrical Maintenance

205

162

367

Disconnect electric from vacant building

162

162

Problem with digital Alarm

205

205

Fire Alarms

49

49

Alarm going off, won’t reset

49

49

Heating Control

108

272

380

Heating not coming on.

108

108

Service boiler as discussed

272

272

236

236

Introduction Callout

236

236

Maintenance-General

11,291

3,000

117

14,408

Board up vacant building after break in

260

260

Clear out building, dispose of rubbish

6,487

6,487

Lights faulty in ladies toilets.

117

117

Maintenance Contract (Now Cancelled)

690

690

Removal of confidential waste.

2,420

2,420

To board up/secure building after fire damage

320

320

To clear out building, dispose of rubbish

4,114

4,114

Grand Total

18,283

7,355

625

26,263

Health Services.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

268 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the occupational therapist for the Cork region has not been replaced when they left; if an assessment will be carried out for a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14103/07]

As the Deputy may be aware, a sum of €75m for revenue purposes was provided to the Health Service Executive for Disability Services in the 2007 Budget. This sum incorporates the 2007 element of the Government's multi-annual investment programme for the National Disability Strategy. This Strategy is committed to enhancing the level and range of multi-disciplinary support services to adults and children with an intellectual, physical and sensory disability and those with autism.

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

Services for Older People.

Paudge Connolly

Question:

269 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Health and Children if it is intended to establish the office of an older persons’ ombudsman to inform on advocacy, entitlement and rights; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14133/07]

As the Deputy will be aware the Citizens Information Board is the national support agency responsible for supporting the provision of information, advice and advocacy on social services including Services for Older People.

A fundamental principle of the Health Service Reform Programme is to put the users of health and personal social services at the centre of the services.

The recently enacted Health Act 2007 is a central element of the Reform Programme and provides for the establishment of the Health Information and Quality Authority with the object of promoting safety and quality in the provision of health and personal social services for the benefit of the health and welfare of the public. An important function of the Authority is the setting of standards on safety and quality in relation to services providing by the Health Service Executive and service providers. The new Act also provides for the establishment of the Office of the Chief Inspector of Social Services with specific statutory functions for inspecting and registering residential centres for older people, including private nursing homes.

I should also mention that the Health Act 2004 — also an integral part of the Health Reform Programme — provides for a statutory complaints system for the public health service. The new complaints system is designed to ensure high and uniform standards of complaints management throughout the public health system. Regulations were made last year to fully implement this system from 1 January 2007.

Services for Older People are a priority for the Government. There are no plans to establish an office Ombudsman for Older People at this stage. The Deputy may be aware that my colleague the Minister for Health and Children has proposed the establishment of an Ombudsman for Older People in the course of the next Dáil.

Health Service Allowances.

Richard Bruton

Question:

270 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department will make an early decision in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24 regarding an application for a domiciliary care allowance, which went to the Department of Social and Family Affairs in January 2007, in view of the special circumstances of the case, and the special needs of the client involved; if this matter will be resolved at the earliest possible time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14174/07]

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

Nursing Home Subventions.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

271 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children when a decision will be made on an application for the nursing home subvention for a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14378/07]

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.

Departmental Funding.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

272 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of funding provided to an organisation (details supplied) in each of the past three years; the way in which the amount of funding is determined; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the current level of funding is inadequate to meet the demands placed on the service; her policy on providing this funding on a multi-annual basis; the Estimate subhead from which funds are drawn for this service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14542/07]

Róisín Shortall

Question:

273 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of funding provided to an organisation (details supplied) in each of the past three years; the way in which the amount of funding is determined; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the current level of funding is inadequate to meet the demands placed on the service; her policy on providing this funding on a multi-annual basis; the Estimate sub-head from which funds are drawn for this service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14543/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 272 and 273 together.

The organisation referred to by the Deputy is one of the seven National Voluntary Childcare Organisations (NVCOs) which receive funding under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP) which is administered by the Office of the Minister for Children. It was intended that the funding provided under the EOCP would enable the NVCOs, each of which has its own remit and strategies, to expand their activities and membership during this period. The seven NVCOs are Barnardos, Childminding Ireland, IPPA, NCNA, Forbairt Naíonraí Teo, Irish Steiner Waldorf Early Childhood Association, and St. Nicholas Montessori Society of Ireland.

Following the provision of funding over a three year period at the start of the EOCP, in 2003 the NVCOs were invited to draw up Strategic Plans for the period 2004 to 2006, based on which annual Action Plans to implement the Strategic Plans would be submitted to determine their annual funding approval. The annual Action Plans were also framed in the context of indicative budgets calculated for each NVCO in respect of 2004 and to the end of the EOCP. These took account of a number of factors including the size of the organisation and membership levels. Provision was included for a 2.5% annual increase which, in 2007, was raised to 4.5%.

Together, the NVCOs have received funding of almost €21 million since 2000. In the case of the organisation referred to by the Deputy, funding amounting to €350,000 was provided in 2004 increasing to €358,750 in 2005 and €367,719 in 2006. In 2007, funding for the organisation in question of €384,266 has been approved, representing an almost 10% increase over the 2004 level of funding. In total, over €2.9 million has been provided to the organisation since 2000. EOCP funding for the NVCOs is provided for under sub-head B.1 (Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme) of Vote 41 (Office of the Minister for Children).

Child Care Services.

Joe Costello

Question:

274 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the increase in fees at a crèche (details supplied) in Dublin 1; if she will provide extra funding for the creche; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14599/07]

As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP) and the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP), which are being implemented by the Office of the Minister for Children.

Under the EOCP, staffing grant assistance is available to assist community based / not for profit childcare Groups with a focus on disadvantage to meet the staffing costs of their childcare facility. With regard to the Group in question, I understand that they were approved for an additional staffing grant of €49,375 in December 2006, bringing their staffing grant funding for the period October 2006 to December 2007 up to the maximum level of staffing funding allowed under the EOCP, that is €172,500 per annum. To date, this Group has been approved a total of €920,219 in EOCP staffing grant assistance.

I understand that this Group recently made an application for capital grant assistance under the NCIP which is currently being assessed by Pobal, who manage the day to day operation of the programmes on behalf of my Office, and that they will be in contact with the Group shortly in this regard.

Bernard Allen

Question:

275 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children when steps will be taken to guarantee funding for the EOCP (details supplied). [14836/07]

As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the Equal Opportunities Childcare Investment Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP) and the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP), which are being implemented by the Office of the Minister for Children.

Staffing funding under the EOCP runs to 31 December 2007, when that Programme comes to a close. A new programme of staffing grants under the NCIP is to be announced in 2007 with the criteria and procedures to be informed by the outcome of the Value for Money Review of the EOCP which has recently concluded. Details of the new scheme are expected to be announced in mid-2007 and will be made available both generally and to existing staffing grant recipients in good time to allow an orderly transition for Groups currently funded under the EOCP.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

276 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children if speech therapy services will be provided for special needs children (details supplied) in a school in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15081/07]

As the Deputy may be aware, a sum of €75m for revenue purposes was provided to the Health Service Executive for Disability Services in the 2007 Budget. This sum incorporates the 2007 element of the Government's multi-annual investment programme for the National Disability Strategy. This Strategy is committed to enhancing the level and range of multi-disciplinary support services to adults and children with an intellectual, physical and sensory disability and those with autism.

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

Drug Treatment Programme.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

277 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Health and Children the number and type of dedicated cocaine treatment programmes which are available nationwide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15154/07]

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

Hospital Staff.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

278 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children when, in view of the current figure of only 5 paediatric neurologists currently working here to cater for the entire population and with no dedicated paediatric neurophysiologist and only one paediatric neurosurgeon, this unacceptable situation will change in view of the fact that two reports in 2003 and 2006 recommended that 10 paediatric neurologists and three paediatric neurosurgeons are urgently needed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15451/07]

Jerry Cowley

Question:

279 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children when there will be an increase in the amount of adult neurologists as recommended in two reports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15452/07]

Joe Higgins

Question:

311 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children the immediate steps she is taking to meet the target of one neurologist per 100,000 population recommended in the National Hospital’s Office report published in 2003. [14187/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 278, 279 and 311 together.

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 Executive in 2007 to support the ongoing development of neurosciences, including neurology services. The detailed application of these monies is a matter for the HSE and accoprdingly my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the specific issues investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputies.

Mental Health Services.

Richard Bruton

Question:

280 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps she has taken to establish a national mental health service directorate within the Health Service Executive, one of the key recommendations in A Vision for Change; when the national mental health service directorate will be established; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15538/07]

Fiona O'Malley

Question:

422 Ms F. O’Malley asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps she has taken to establish a National Mental Health Service Directorate within the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14686/07]

Fiona O'Malley

Question:

423 Ms F. O’Malley asked the Minister for Health and Children when will the National Mental Health Service Directorate be established. [14687/07]

Joe Higgins

Question:

506 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children when a National Mental Health Service Directorate will be established within the Health Service Executive as recommended in A Vision for Change. [15256/07]

Joe Higgins

Question:

507 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps that have been taken to date to establish a National Mental Health Service Directorate within the Health Service Executive as recommended in A Vision for Change. [15257/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 280, 422, 423, 506 and 507 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 services for a seven to ten year period. The Government has accepted the Report as the basis for the future development of our mental health services. Implementation of the individual recommendations of "A Vision for Change", is a matter primarily for the Health Service Executive.

The HSE has informed my Department that it is currently examining how best to give effect to the recommendation contained in "A Vision for Change" to establish a National Mental Health Service Directorate. Proposals are being developed which will take account of the HSE's existing management structures and the existence of the Expert Advisory Group on Mental Health.

Medicinal Products.

Liz McManus

Question:

281 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children if a drug (details supplied) will be made available either under the long term illness scheme or the drugs repayment scheme for diabetics who need it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14090/07]

There is a common list of reimbursable medicines for the General Medical Services and Drug Payment schemes. This list is reviewed and amended monthly, as new products become available and deletions are notified. For an item to be reimbursed, it must comply with published criteria, including authorisation status as appropriate, price and, in certain cases, the intended use of the product. In addition, the product should ordinarily be supplied to the public only by medical prescription and should not be advertised or promoted to the public. Products are considered for reimbursement on application by a supplier.

Trasylol is not currently reimbursable through the state schemes. Any application by a supplier to have Trasylol included on the common list will be considered in the usual way. People who experience undue financial hardship in obtaining any particular product should contact the local area office of the Health Service Executive.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Liz McManus

Question:

282 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide this Deputy with a copy of the tender document for the new co-located hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14092/07]

On foot of a Government decision, I issued a policy direction to the Health Service Executive (HSE) in July 2005 on the co-location of private hospitals on the sites of public hospitals in order to free up 1,000 beds for public patients.

My Department has been informed by the HSE that Invitation to Tender (ITT) documents were issued to the short-listed bidders on Thursday 19th April 2007 in relation to the following public hospital sites:

1 Waterford Regional Hospital

2 Cork University Hospital

3 Limerick Regional Hospital

4 Sligo General Hospital

5 Beaumont Hospital

6 St. James's Hospital

It is expected that the Invitations To Tender for Connolly Hospital (Blanchardstown) and the Adelaide and Meath Hospital incorporating the National Children's Hospital (Tallaght) will issue at a later date.

Tenders are due to be submitted to the HSE by 17th May 2007. The HSE will evaluate the tenders and select the successful bidders during the following 2 weeks. Following that a "stand still" period of 2 weeks is required by procurement law before agreements can be signed with successful bidders.

As the Deputy is aware, the HSE is utilising a competitive dialogue process to award the contracts for this project. Throughout the process bidders have been (and continue to be) subject to tight confidentiality undertakings. The HSE has been advised that if the ITT (and the associated Project Agreements) were to be released before the competition is concluded, this would irrevocably undermine the confidential nature of the competition. Accordingly, I am not in a position to furnish the Deputy with a copy of the ITT (or the Project Agreements) at this time. The commercial sensitivity of these documents will be reviewed by the HSE upon completion of the competition.

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Liz McManus

Question:

283 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children the waiting times for each cancer condition; the waiting lists for radiotherapy at St. Lukes Hospital in Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14093/07]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the matter raised.

Hospital Services.

Liz McManus

Question:

284 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children the changes made in relation to provision for radiotherapy services by way of PPPs; her plans for provision in each of the four Health Service Executive locations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14094/07]

John Deasy

Question:

465 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of her plan to provide an integrated oncology facility, including radiation treatment, at Waterford Regional Hospital by 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14931/07]

John Deasy

Question:

466 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Health and Children the funding she is providing to the Health Services Executive to provide a dedicated transport service to Dublin and Cork hospitals for cancer patients in Waterford and elsewhere in the south east; her views on whether patients in the south east have a justified expectation that the Government provide such a service pending the availability of radiotherapy services in the south east, which is still some years away; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14932/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 284, 465 and 466 together.

It is my objective and that of the Health Service Executive (HSE) to see the earliest delivery of the National Plan for Radiation Oncology in the best interests of cancer patients throughout the country. The HSE and my Department are currently considering options to speed up delivery and I expect to receive their recommendation on the best option as a matter of priority. 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. 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 and public patients are being referred for radiation oncology treatment pending the commissioning of the radiation oncology centre at WRH.

The HSE has in place several options for the transportation of patients who require radiotherapy and other oncology services. These services relate to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to provide relevant details to the Deputy.

Cancer Screening Programme.

Liz McManus

Question:

285 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to extend BreastCheck to women over the age of 64; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14097/07]

Róisín Shortall

Question:

430 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason women aged over 65 years are not entitled to free annual mammograms even in cases where they have medical cards; and if she will undertake to review this policy as a matter of urgency. [14695/07]

Willie Penrose

Question:

432 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the planned roll-out of BreastCheck screening services in the Health Service Executive western region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14718/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 285, 430 and 432 together.

The extension of BreastCheck is a major priority of mine and I am glad to advise the House of the commencement of BreastCheck services in the West. In advance of commissioning of the static unit in the West, BreastCheck has decided to locate a digital mobile unit at Roscommon County Hospital from Monday 30 April with a view to commencing a screening service on or about Thursday 3 May next. I would encourage all women who are invited by BreastCheck to avail of this important service.

I am committed to ensuring that the BreastCheck service is rolled out to the remaining regions in the country as quickly as possible. I have allocated additional revenue funding of €8 million for this year to meet the additional costs involved and I have approved an additional 69 posts for the roll-out. BreastCheck appointed the Clinical Directors for the South and West last November and has recently appointed three Consultant Radiologists, two Consultant Surgeons and two Consultant Histopathologists, all with a special interest in breast disease. The recruitment of Radiographers and other staff is underway.

I have also made available an additional €26.7m capital funding for the construction of two new clinical units and the provision of five additional mobile units and state of the art digital equipment. The static units at the South Infirmary/Victoria Hospital in Cork and University College Hospital Galway are on schedule for hand-over in September followed by a three week commissioning period. They will be operational in October.

BreastCheck provides free screening to all women in the 50-64 age group. The expert advice from BreastCheck and from the National Cancer Forum, as contained in its National Strategy for Cancer Control, is that following the national extension of the current programme, the upper age limit should be extended to women aged 69 years. The priority of BreastCheck is to screen women who have not yet been screened and accordingly it is fully focussed at present on the commencement of the first round of screening in the West and South. I will consider extending the age limit as recommended when the national roll-out of the programme is sufficiently developed and it is assured that a quality service is being delivered. Any woman irrespective of her age who has immediate concerns or symptoms should contact her GP who, where appropriate, will refer her to the symptomatic services in her area. Mammograms are available free of charge on an outpatient basis.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Paul McGrath

Question:

286 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the criteria used in assessing children with disabilities for residential care and deciding whether they are entitled to five or seven day care; and the reason siblings with a similar prognosis can be assessed as having different residential needs. [14098/07]

As the Deputy may be aware, a sum of €75m for revenue purposes was provided to the Health Service Executive for Disability Services in the 2007 Budget. This sum incorporates the 2007 element of the Government's multi-annual investment programme for the National Disability Strategy. This Strategy is committed to enhancing the level and range of multi-disciplinary support services to adults and children with an intellectual, physical and sensory disability and those with autism.

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

Health Service Allowances.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

287 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive an assessment with a doctor from the Health Service Executive for their application for domiciliary allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14101/07]

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

Health Service Staff.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

288 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the problems faced by so many physiotherapist graduates; the reason her Department is not ensuring that there are placements set up for the graduates when they finish in order that they can receive the practical experience they need; if she will provide a commitment that she will create more places for physiotherapy graduates; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14102/07]

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.

I am aware that some physiotherapy graduates have had difficulties in finding employment in the public health service. I want to ensure that the combination of factors which have led to this situation are addressed urgently. My Department is addressing this situation in a proactive manner and is working closely with the HSE to tackle the various factors which are contributing to this situation.

I understand that the HSE ran a national recruitment campaign in January for physiotherapy posts, panels were formed and a number of graduates were offered jobs. A working group made up of the Department, the HSE and the profession itself, including nominees from the unions, is continuing to work to see what can be done to tackle this situation in preparation for the 2007 graduates.

As part of their undergraduate training, I understand that physiotherapists undertake 1000 hours clinical training in various health settings. This clinical training ensures that they receive the practical training they require to be competent practitioners on graduation. Once in the workplace, physiotherapists can undertake, on a voluntary basis, continuing professional development to ensure that this competence is maintained.

Care of the Elderly.

Joe Costello

Question:

289 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to a document (details supplied); her views on the issues raised in that document; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14112/07]

I understand that the document referred to by the Deputy was prepared by the Irish Nursing Homes Organisation. My Department has only received this document in the past few days and officials are currently examining its content. I propose to write separately to the Deputy when we have had the opportunity to consider the document.

Hospital Services.

Pat Breen

Question:

290 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated with an appointment for surgery; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14113/07]

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 Services.

Phil Hogan

Question:

291 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children when orthodontic treatment will commence for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14125/07]

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.

General Medical Services Scheme.

Paudge Connolly

Question:

292 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that older women will not be compelled to change their general practitioner when they become eligible for a medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14131/07]

Under the Health Act, 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for arrangements to ensure appropriate service delivery for General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme (medical card and GP visit card) patients.

Services under the GMS Scheme are provided by general practitioners (GPs) holding contracts with the HSE. The terms of these contracts were agreed on foot of negotiations with the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO). Under the terms agreed, contracts are made available where the HSE decides, after consultation with the IMO, that there is a need for a service having regard to a range of factors, including whether the needs of the population in the area are met by the services already available. The agreement also provides that the number of persons on a GP's patient panel may not exceed 2,000, save in exceptional circumstances. Not all GPs hold GMS contracts, as they may not qualify or wish to provide services under the Scheme.

When a person qualifies for a medical card or GP visit card, he/she accesses services by choosing a GP from a list of local GPs who have been contracted to provide services under the GMS Scheme. The person will be assigned to the GP he/she has chosen from the list subject to the GP's acceptance and his/her total patient list being within the agreed limit.

The arrangements for the provision of publicly funded GP services, including those provided under the GMS Scheme, are under review. I regard the existing arrangements in relation to access by GPs to public contracts as unnecessarily restrictive and it is my wish that new contractual arrangements for the provision of publicly-funded GP services should ensure that HSE contracts are open to all suitably qualified and equipped doctors.

Care of the Elderly.

Paudge Connolly

Question:

293 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide older women with regular visits from public health nurses with regular health assessments and access to services such as chiropody in all localities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14132/07]

The Primary Care Strategy aims to support and promote the health and well-being of the population by providing accessible local services and reducing reliance on institutional services. Funding totalling €32m has been provided in 2006 and 2007 for the establishment of 200 Primary Care Teams involving 600 new frontline professionals including Nurses(300 per year).

In accordance with the approach set out in the strategy “Primary Care: A New Direction”, the composition of Teams will depend on the needs, demographics and geographic location of the population served but will typically consist of GPs, Nurses, Home Helps and Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Social Work professionals. A wider range of professionals including Pharmacists, Dieticians, Psychologists and Chiropodists will be organised into Primary Care Networks, with each such Network supporting a number of Primary Care Teams.

The Government has committed under the Towards 2016 agreement to the establishment of 300 Primary Care Teams by 2008; 400 by 2009; and 500 by 2011. A review of these targets will be undertaken in 2008. The Government is already making considerable investment in the development of supports to enable older people to live in their own community.

In 2006, a total of 2,000 extra Home Care Packages were provided at a full year cost of €55 million (prior to this date only 1,100 packages had been in operation on a pilot basis). A similar increase in the number of packages will be provided in 2007, benefiting some 4,000 people.

In the first instance use of mainstream community services is maximized to support and maintain the older person at home. If further services are assessed as being required these services may be provided through the Home Care Package Scheme, which may include the services of nurses, home care attendants, home helps and various therapists, including physiotherapists and occupational therapists. A home care package will vary according to the care needs of the person so that, for example, there might be a greater emphasis in some packages on home help while other packages may require a greater level of therapy and nursing. Referral for a Home Care Package can be made by any health professional whether community or hospital based. The decision to allocate a Home Care Package is based on the assessment of needs of the individual and the identification of any assessed needs which are not being met by mainstream services together with consideration of the appropriateness of care in the community in the individual case. Home Care Packages are therefore an additional support over and above existing mainstream community services and are designed to enhance rather than replace existing home support services.

There is no statutory obligation on the Health Service Executive (HSE) to provide chiropody services to GMS patients or to any other group of people; however in practice arrangements are made, in certain cases, to provide these services. Before the establishment of the HSE the nature of the arrangements for chiropody and the level of service provided was a matter for individual health boards and so a degree of variation in practice developed over time. Priority is usually given to certain groups of people, including people who are medical card holders aged 65 years and over. In several regions the service is provided by private chiropodists by arrangement with the HSE.

Health Services.

Jack Wall

Question:

294 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans in view of the significant increase in the population of a town (details supplied) in County Kildare as of the last Census to upgrade the health centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14138/07]

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

It has been estimated that up to 95% of people's health and social services needs can be properly met within a primary care setting and the establishment of new Primary Care Teams can contribute greatly to enhancing community based health services.

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

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

Jack Wall

Question:

295 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for orthodontic care for persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14139/07]

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

349 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding dental treatment for three members of the one family in County Kildare; if she has satisfied herself with the manner in which these three young peoples needs have been met; if financial assistance will be given to the family to assist with the considerable costs involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14340/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 295 and 349 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.

Medical Cards.

Finian McGrath

Question:

296 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3 with a medical card as they are paying out a lot of money on medication; and if she will advise them on this matter. [14142/07]

Medical cards are made available to persons and their dependants who would otherwise experience undue hardship in meeting the cost of General Practitioner (GP) services. In 2005 the GP visit card was introduced as a graduated benefit so that people on moderate and lower incomes, particularly parents of young children, who do not qualify for a medical card would not be deterred on cost grounds from visiting their GP.

Since the beginning of 2005 substantial changes have been made to the way in which people's eligibility for a medical card is assessed and these apply equally to the assessment process for a GP visit card. The income guidelines have been increased by a cumulative 29% and in addition allowance is now made for reasonable expenses incurred in respect of mortgage/rent, childcare and travel to work costs. In June 2006 I agreed a further adjustment to the income guidelines for GP visit cards. These are now 50% higher than those in respect of medical cards.

As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for these benefits, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

297 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the review of the dental treatment services scheme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14144/07]

Jerry Cowley

Question:

313 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will intervene with the Irish Dentists Association and ensure the provision of dental treatment for medical card holders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14213/07]

John Perry

Question:

368 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children the directive she has issued in relation to correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14470/07]

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

409 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Health and Children the situation regarding the threat by many dentists to abandon the free dental treatment for medical card holders due to the failure of the Health Service Executive to complete a review of the medical card dental scheme with the Irish Dental Association; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14628/07]

John Deasy

Question:

483 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of the review of the dental treatment services scheme; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the delay in completing the review will have a detrimental effect on access to dental treatment for medical cardholders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15075/07]

Pat Carey

Question:

489 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the measures contemplated by her Department to ensure that essential dental treatment for medical card holders can continue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15143/07]

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

521 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the dental treatment services scheme in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15362/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 297, 313, 368, 409, 483, 489 and 521 together.

The Dental Treatment Service Scheme (DTSS) provides for a range of dental services for adult medical card holders from participating dentists holding contracts with the Health Service Executive (HSE).

The DTSS Review Group was established in May 2006 to undertake a comprehensive review of Primary Care Oral Health Services provided under the DTSS. Represented on the Review Group are the HSE, the Health Service Employers Agency, the Department of Health and Children, the Department of Social and Family Affairs, the Department of Finance and the Irish Dental Association (IDA). The Group is chaired by Mr Finbar Flood.

Since the Group was established, a legal issue has arisen with regard to the Competition Act 2002 as it relates to the negotiation of professional fees. The issues involved are complex and my officials are working with the Attorney General's office to clarify the way forward. In the meantime I have indicated to the I.D.A. that I am prepared to meet them to listen to their concerns.

I understand that the IDA has balloted its members on a proposal to withdraw the association's support from the DTSS and that this proposal has been carried. The existing contractual arrangements with private dental practitioners under the DTSS for the provision of dental services to eligible patients remain in place.

Inter-Country Adoptions.

John Cregan

Question:

298 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Health and Children if progress made in relation to resolving the difficulties being experienced by couples here wishing to adopt children from Belarus and in particular, those couples presently on a list waiting to finalise adoptions with named children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14147/07]

It has not been possible to resolve the outstanding issues in the proposed intercountry adoption agreement with Belarus. I am informed that within the last 2 weeks, a small number of files were returned to the Adoption Board in respect of applicants intending to adopt from Belarus. These applicants have been advised that their applications cannot be progressed. The Adoption Board is now focussing its attention on working with the Belarusian authorities to agree to finalise the very small number of outstanding cases where the applicants involved are much further along in the adoption process.

Nursing Home Care.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

299 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Health and Children the person who will provide the balance of nursing home costs for a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14148/07]

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

Housing Aid for the Elderly.

Pat Breen

Question:

300 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when an application for housing aid for the elderly will be processed for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14156/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive (HSE) under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The HSE's responsibility includes the operation of the Housing Aid Scheme for the Elderly, on behalf of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Pat Breen

Question:

301 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when an application for the housing aid for the elderly will be processed for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14157/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive (HSE) under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The HSE's responsibility includes the operation of the Housing Aid Scheme for the Elderly, on behalf of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Pat Breen

Question:

302 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when an application for a person (details supplied) in County Clare under the housing aid for the elderly will be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14158/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive (HSE) under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The HSE's responsibility includes the operation of the Housing Aid Scheme for the Elderly, on behalf of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Pat Breen

Question:

303 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when an application for a person (details supplied) in County Clare under the housing aid for the elderly will be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14159/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive (HSE) under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The HSE's responsibility includes the operation of the Housing Aid Scheme for the Elderly, on behalf of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Pat Breen

Question:

304 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when an application for a person (details supplied) in County Clare under the housing aid for the elderly will be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14160/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive (HSE) under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The HSE's responsibility includes the operation of the Housing Aid Scheme for the Elderly, on behalf of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Pat Breen

Question:

305 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when an application for a person (details supplied) in County Clare under the housing aid for the elderly will be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14161/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive (HSE) under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The HSE's responsibility includes the operation of the Housing Aid Scheme for the Elderly, on behalf of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Pat Breen

Question:

306 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when an application for a person (details supplied) in County Clare under the housing aid for the elderly will be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14162/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive (HSE) under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The HSE's responsibility includes the operation of the Housing Aid Scheme for the Elderly, on behalf of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Pat Breen

Question:

307 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when an application for a person (details supplied) in County Clare under the housing aid for the elderly will be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14163/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive (HSE) under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The HSE's responsibility includes the operation of the Housing Aid Scheme for the Elderly, on behalf of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Damien English

Question:

308 Mr. English asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to make chiropody services free to medical card holders, people with long term illness and pensioners; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14177/07]

There is no statutory obligation on the Health Service Executive (HSE) to provide chiropody services to GMS patients or to any other group of people; however in practice arrangements are made, in certain cases, to provide these services. Before the establishment of the HSE the nature of the arrangements for chiropody and the level of service provided was a matter for individual health boards and so a degree of variation in practice developed over time. Priority is usually given to certain groups of people, including people who are medical card holders aged 65 years and over. In several regions the service is provided by private chiropodists by arrangement with the HSE.

My Department is currently preparing legislation to clarify and update existing legislation on eligibility for health and personal social services. The Bill will define specific health and personal services more clearly; define who should be eligible for what services; set out clear criteria for eligibility; establish when and in what circumstances charges may be made and provide for an appeals framework.

Pension Provisions.

John McGuinness

Question:

309 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if the years of employment given by a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be credited to their record for pension purposes; if she will expedite a response; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14178/07]

The Health Service Executive have responsibility for the administration of the Local Government Superannuation Scheme (LGSS) of which the employee in question is a member. 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.

Hospital Services.

John McGuinness

Question:

310 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in arranging an appointment for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny with an orthopaedic consultant at Waterford Hospital; and if she will expedite the matter. [14179/07]

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.

Question No. 311 answered with QuestionNo. 278.

Ministerial Staff.

Phil Hogan

Question:

312 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children the names, titles, duties and dates of appointment of each of the special advisers, political advisers, personal assistants and press officers appointed by her; the salary level of each appointee including payments in lieu of pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14208/07]

The table below details the title of each of advisers and assistants that are currently employed in both my private and constituency offices.

Position

Name

Date of appointment to Department of Health & Children

Current annual salary

Payments paid in lieu of pension

Special Adviser

Oliver O’Connor

29/09/2004

133,367

Additional 11% paid in respect of personal pension

Special Adviser

Patricia Ryan

29/09/2004

127,732

Additional 11% paid in respect of personal pension

Press Officer

Derek Cunningham

24/01/2005

114,203

1.5% of salary paid into Unestablished Pension Scheme

Personal Assistant

Catherine Dardis

29/09/2004

55,744

Additional 11% paid in respect of personal pension

Personal Assistant

Alan McGaughey

29/09/2004

56,352

Additional 11% paid in respect of personal pension

Personal Secretary

Nuala Talbot

29/09/2004

50,918

1.5% of salary paid into Unestablished Pension Scheme

My Special Advisers are required to perform the duties I assign to them as appropriate to their positions as set out in the Public Service Management Act, 1997. My Press Officer has responsibility for media related activities. My Personal Assistants and Personal Secretary provide administrative and secretarial support.

In addition to the two Special Advisers listed above, a senior manager is on loan from the Health Service Executive (HSE). He works as part of my advisory team as HSE Liaison Officer, but is not contracted by the Department and continues to be an employee of the HSE.

Question No. 313 answered with QuestionNo. 297.

Hospital Services.

John McGuinness

Question:

314 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in arranging an angiogram for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will expedite the matter. [14219/07]

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.

Services for People with Disabilities.

John McGuinness

Question:

315 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 178 of 8 March 2007, the reason a formal reply has not been issued by the Health Service Executive; her views on the time lapse in this case; and the reason for the delay. [14220/07]

I understand from my Department that the HSE are in ongoing discussions with L'Arche in connection with the above matter. The HSE have further informed my Department that they held a meeting with L'Arche on Friday 13th April to discuss funding in the context of overall service delivery. As the Deputy may be aware L'Arche has received increased funding from the HSE under Sustaining Progress.

Foster Care.

Pat Carey

Question:

316 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department will given effect to the proposed inter-Governmental agreement known as the Accord with the Government of Belarus which relates to child protection and safety when children visit Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14227/07]

Whilst the principle of a possible agreement was raised by the Belarusian ambassador no discussions on the content of any such agreement have taken place with Belarusian authorities and no documentation has been tabled covering any such agreement.

Part IVB of the Children Act 2001 defines Private Foster Care as any arrangement where a child is in the full-time care of a person other than his parent/guardian or their partner or a relative, for reward or otherwise for more than 14 days. It excludes routine arrangements such as boarding school, hospital or educational placements or holidays for a period not exceeding 42 days. The exclusion also covers children already in the care of the Health Service Executive or other health or state facility. This applies to foreign children entering the country as well as Irish children.

The Act states that anyone undertaking or arranging a private foster care arrangement must give notice to the relevant health board at least thirty days prior to placement. Where a child is placed in a private foster care arrangement in emergency circumstances, both the person undertaking and the person arranging the placement must notify the relevant health boards as soon as practicable and not more than 14 days after the arrangement is put in place.

In all private foster care arrangements the welfare of the child is of paramount importance and any person undertaking such a placement has a duty of care to the child concerned. Authorised officers of the Health Service Executive may inspect private foster care arrangements to ensure that all reasonable measures are being taken to safeguard the child's health, safety and welfare. These authorised officers must be given a warrant on his/her appointment. Where the Executive has concerns regarding the child's welfare it may apply to the District Court for a supervision order, care order or for the child to be returned to its parents.

The Act restricts people from arranging or undertaking private foster care arrangements for the purpose of adopting a child unless the child is eligible for adoption under the Adoption Acts 1952 to 1998 and the Executive has consented to the continuance of the placement pending completion of the assessment.

Medical Cards.

Joe Costello

Question:

317 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of new medical cards that have been issued in each of the past six months; the number of new general practitioner only cards which have issued in each of the past six months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14233/07]

Details of the numbers of medical card and GP visit card holders are provided to my Department each month by the Health Service Executive. The figures are provided on a net basis showing the balance after new cards have been issued and other cards, as appropriate, have been deleted from the Executive's database e.g. following a review of an applicant's circumstances.

The following table shows the number of medical cards/GP visit cards for each of the last six months.

Month

No. of Medical Cards

No. of GP Visit Cards

1st April, 2007

1,238,330

62,607

1st March, 2007

1,228,468

58,712

1st February, 2007

1,227,577

55,578

1st January, 2007

1,221,695

51,760

1st December, 2006

1,219,829

47,550

1st November, 2006

1,216,344

42,026

Housing Aid for the Elderly.

John McGuinness

Question:

318 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if an application under the housing aid for the elderly scheme in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny, will be approved immediately; and if the grant will be confirmed in order that the much needed work can commence. [14237/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive (HSE) under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The HSE's responsibility includes the operation of the Housing Aid Scheme for the Elderly, on behalf of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Hospital Services.

John McGuinness

Question:

319 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the reasons for the delay in arranging a bone assessment at St. James Hospital, Dublin for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny where they attend; and if she will expedite the matter. [14238/07]

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.

Ambulance Service.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

320 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will immediately ensure a safe ambulance service to the Belmullet area of County Mayo by ensuring funding for a full 24 hour ambulance base in Belmullet, County Mayo; if she will ask the Health Service Executive to immediately review their decision not to have a full time 24 hour ambulance service at Belmullet ambulance station, the lack of which presently means that people’s lives are put in jeopardy due to having to wait for hours when the existing ambulance is on route to Mayo General Hospital on another call; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14242/07]

Jerry Cowley

Question:

321 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will immediately ensure a safe ambulance service to the Belmullet area of County Mayo by ensuring funding for a full 24 hour ambulance base in Belmullet, County Mayo, the lack of which presently means that people’s lives are put in jeopardy due to having to wait for hours when the existing ambulance is on route to Mayo General Hospital on another call; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14243/07]

Jerry Cowley

Question:

322 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will immediately ensure a safe ambulance service to the Belmullet area of County Mayo by directing the Health Service Executive to immediately review their decision not to have a full time 24 hour ambulance service at Belmullet ambulance station, the lack of which presently means that people’s lives are put in jeopardy due to having to wait for hours when the existing ambulance is on route to Mayo General hospital on another call; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14244/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 320 to 322, inclusive, together.

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Housing Aid for the Elderly.

Pat Breen

Question:

323 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when an application under the housing aid for the elderly will be processed for a person (details supplied) in County Clare. [14245/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive (HSE) under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The HSE's responsibility includes the operation of the Housing Aid Scheme for the Elderly, on behalf of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Finian McGrath

Question:

324 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support St. John of God Kildare Services, St. Raphael’s, Celbridge, Kildare and end the unjust charge to disabled persons in residential care; and if she will reverse this decision. [14250/07]

As the Deputy may be aware, a sum of €75m for revenue purposes was provided to the Health Service Executive for Disability Services in the 2007 Budget. This sum incorporates the 2007 element of the Government's multi-annual investment programme for the National Disability Strategy. This Strategy is committed to enhancing the level and range of multi-disciplinary support services to adults and children with an intellectual, physical and sensory disability and those with autism.

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

Dinny McGinley

Question:

325 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Health and Children when the Health Service Executive will forward a reply to a person (details attached) who first contacted the executive in June 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14258/07]

As the Deputy may be aware, a sum of €75m for revenue purposes was provided to the Health Service Executive for Disability Services in the 2007 Budget. This sum incorporates the 2007 element of the Government's multi-annual investment programme for the National Disability Strategy. This Strategy is committed to enhancing the level and range of multi-disciplinary support services to adults and children with an intellectual, physical and sensory disability and those with autism.

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

Health Service Staff.

Denis Naughten

Question:

326 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that front line Health Service Executive staff are provided with appropriate training to deal with domestic violence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14260/07]

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

Domestic Violence.

Denis Naughten

Question:

327 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ringfence annual funding to support agencies dealing with the issue of domestic violence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14261/07]

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

Hospital Services.

Liam Twomey

Question:

328 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason there is no epidural available for pregnant women outside the hours 9 a.m to 5 p.m in Letterkenny General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14262/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Repayment Scheme.

Liam Twomey

Question:

329 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in the administration of the health repayment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14263/07]

The Health Repayment Scheme was launched in August 2006 and is administered by the Health Service Executive (HSE) in conjunction with the appointed Scheme Administrator KPMG/McCann Fitzgerald. An extensive radio and newspaper advertising campaign was conducted throughout the country and a major public relations campaign was rolled out focusing in particular on local and regional media.

The HSE has informed the Department that over 26,000 forms have been submitted to the Scheme Administrator applying for repayments and these applications are being processed at present. The timeframe for repayment is predicated primarily on whether the applicant is alive as living people who were wrongly charged will be prioritised to receive repayments. It is estimated that there are now in the region of 14,000 people within this category, approximately 10,000 of whom have already applied.

The HSE has advised that offers of repayment commenced in November 2006 and that the first payments issued in December 2006 with further payments continuing on an ongoing basis. The HSE has indicated that over €29 million has been repaid to date and that the average repayment is approximately €21,000. Provision has been made for applications to be received up to 31st December 2007.

A dedicated website, an information phone line and an e-mail facility have been established by the Scheme Administrator to assist the public in accessing claim forms and general information on the scheme. The information line operates between the hours of 9.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m. from Monday to Friday. To date over 41,000 call centre queries have been dealt with.

The HSE have informed me that the scheme has experienced delays due to legal and technical standards which have been set and have meant that the process is more complex than originally envisaged. The development of the IT system has proved more difficult than anticipated given the variety of files being received. To date records from 345 institutions have been scanned. There are a high proportion of application forms with deficient information and the Scheme Administrator advised that it has sent out 6,000 deficiency letters to applicants seeking further required information. The Scheme Administrator is however confident it will deliver all repayments and that people will get paid within the allocated timeframe for the Scheme.

Adoption Services.

Liam Twomey

Question:

330 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason there is such a delay in the adoption process; her plans to employ more social workers to speed up the process; the other measures she will take to reduce waiting times; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14264/07]

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 (HSE) 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.

The Government has allocated additional funding to the HSE in recent years to assist in tackling intercountry adoption waiting times. The HSE has been assessing the provision of services in the context of moving from the health board system to a single executive. It has acknowledged that there is a divergence in the provision of services and is committed to addressing those differences.

The Deputy will be aware that demands for assessment for intercountry adoption are continuously increasing. It should be noted that consequent on the increased number of children coming from abroad, there is also a new and increasing demand for post-adoption reports for sending countries. There are also being undertaken by HSE social work staff. In a number of areas, the HSE have increased capacity through contract arrangements with non-statutory agencies with appropriate expertise. I understand that the Minister for Children has asked his officials to meet with the HSE to explore these and other strategies to increase capacity across the country.

Health Services.

Liam Twomey

Question:

331 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Health and Children the funding available for those who have had prosthesis and amputations; the funding available for the repair of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14265/07]

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

Hospital Accommodation.

Liam Twomey

Question:

332 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of day hospital beds in 2001 in relation to the Government’s commitment to older people, stated in the National Health Strategy, to deliver 600 day hospital beds; the number of day hospitals beds that have been delivered in each of the years since 2001; the location of these beds; the status of remaining beds to be delivered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14266/07]

Liam Twomey

Question:

333 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of assessment and rehabilitation beds in 2001 in relation to the Government’s commitment to older people, stated in the National Health Strategy, to deliver 1,370 assessment and rehabilitation beds; the number of assessment and rehabilitation beds that have been delivered in each of the years since 2001; the location of these beds; the status of remaining beds to be delivered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14267/07]

Liam Twomey

Question:

334 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of day places in 2001 in relation to the Government’s commitment to older people, stated in the National Health Strategy, to deliver 7,000 day centre places; the number of day places that have been delivered in each of the years since 2001; the location of these places; the status of remaining beds to be delivered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14268/07]

Liam Twomey

Question:

335 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of community nursing unit beds in 2001 in relation to the Government’s commitment to older people, stated in the National Health Strategy 2001, to deliver 5,600 community nursing unit beds; the number of community nursing unit beds delivered in each of the years since 2001; the location of these beds; the status of remaining beds to be delivered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14269/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 332 to 335, inclusive, together.

The National Health Strategy ‘Quality and Fairness: A Health System for You' was published in 2001. There have been many reforms to our health services since the publication of the Strategy, the most notable being the enactment of the Health Act 2004 which transferred responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services to the Health Service Executive.

In 2001, there were 9,218 beds in public nursing homes, of which 8,671 were long-stay, and 12,731 voluntary and private nursing home beds, of which 12,483 were long-stay. In 2007, there are a total of 9,488 beds in public nursing homes including Welfare Homes of which about 8,250 are long-stay beds. In addition, there are an estimated 16,000 voluntary and private long stay beds. The overall increase has been close to 3,500 in the period 2001-2007. The reduction in public long stay beds is accountable by improvements made to some public homes to improve the environment so as to meet with increased standards and client centred care responses.

As part of the overall investment package for the development of services for older people, the DOHC and the HSE have prioritised the delivery of additional public continuing care beds through the development of community nursing units in large urban centres in both Dublin and Cork together with the expansion and the development of additional facilities across all regions. The HSE proposes to expand public capacity by 446 beds in 2007 and by 414 in 2008. The running costs in full year of this additional public capacity will be €42m.

In 2006, the HSE contracted a total of 1,050 extra beds in the private nursing home sector. A total of €28m is being allocated to cover the full year cost in 2007 of these beds. In addition, the HSE is planning to contract a further 350 beds in 2007 at a cost of €12m. 220 of these will be procured in the Greater Dublin area and 100 will be procured in HSE South.

Prior to 2006 there were no appropriate structures in place for the compilation of statistics in relation to day centre places. However these reporting structures are now in place and a 2006 baseline has been established. Over the past two years significant additional funding has been in the provision of such places and this policy will continue in to the future. Along with the creation of these new places it is also planned to extend opening hours to evenings and weekends in some day care centres.

In 2006, 1,325 additional places per week were provided which brought the total to 21,000. In 2007, 1,100 additional places per week are projected which will bring the total to 22,100

The Executive has advised my Department that they are currently collating information in respect of the number of funded day hospitals places and the number of funded assessment/ rehab places specifically for older persons. The Executive will forward this information to the Deputy directly.

Health Services.

Jack Wall

Question:

336 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children if an early appointment will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare in view of the medical need for such an appointment. [14272/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Pat Breen

Question:

337 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated with orthodontic treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14279/07]

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

Pat Breen

Question:

338 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated with orthodontic treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14280/07]

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.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Seán Crowe

Question:

339 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason young children with autistic disorders attending mainstream schools are being denied health board services such as speech therapy (details supplied); her views on whether this scenario is discriminatory, and that children with disabilities are being penalised due to the fact that they attend their local mainstream school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14281/07]

As the Deputy may be aware, a sum of €75m for revenue purposes was provided to the Health Service Executive for Disability Services in the 2007 Budget. This sum incorporates the 2007 element of the Government's multi-annual investment programme for the National Disability Strategy. This Strategy is committed to enhancing the level and range of multi-disciplinary support services to adults and children with an intellectual, physical and sensory disability and those with autism.

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

Hospital Services.

Jack Wall

Question:

340 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has not received an appointment for surgery; when the person will receive this appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14284/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Home Help Service.

Niall Blaney

Question:

341 Mr. Blaney asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will intervene to have home help hours increased from three hours per week to the original five hours per week for persons (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14289/07]

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

Health Services.

Finian McGrath

Question:

342 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if support will be given to persons (details supplied) with extra support hours; and if she will work with the family on a care plan. [14291/07]

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 Staff.

Finian McGrath

Question:

343 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding training for health professionals dealing with cerebral palsy patients in hospitals; and if these families will be given the maximum professional support while in the health service here. [14292/07]

The training requirements for health professionals dealing with cerebral palsy patients in hospitals is primarily a matter for the HSE and relevant service provider. In respect of nursing staff, An Bord Altranais, the Nursing Board, sets the requirements and standards of training for all nurses which includes paediatric placement. This exposes undergraduate nurses to a broad spectrum of illness associated with children and satisfies the EU Directive on nursing education.

All service providers endeavour to give appropriate professional support to patients, and families and carers are actively encouraged to participate in the care of their children while in hospital and, where appropriate, to stay with them if circumstances allow.

Pension Provisions.

John McGuinness

Question:

344 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 156 of 1 February 2007, the progress in reaching a decision in the person’s case by her Department in consultation with the employing agency; and if she will expedite a positive outcome. [14311/07]

An option to join the Nominated Health Agencies Superannuation Scheme was offered to wholetime permanent employees of St Patrick's Centre, Kilkenny in 1981 and 1996. The 1996 option expired on 15th April 1996. Where a person who has not exercised an option to join a scheme subsequently makes an appeal about the validity of their option or claims that they did not receive an option to which they were entitled, such appeals or claims are examined. If the facts of the case are established in favour of the claimant, a fresh option may be given to the individual. The person whose details have been supplied has made such a claim and the claim is being examined in my Department in consultation with the employing agency. Additional information regarding this case was requested by my Department from the employing agency and all aspects of the case will be examined thoroughly in due course.

Drug Treatment Programme.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

345 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will expedite the putting in place of the national protocols in regard to the availability of a drug (details supplied) for heroin addicts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14312/07]

I am aware that the drug Subutex (active ingredient buprenorphine) is an alternative choice to methadone in the treatment of opiate dependent addicts. The current position is that Subutex can only be prescribed to opiate users by addiction service consultants in specialist drug treatment clinics, where the prescription and dispensing of Subutex is tightly controlled. Another alternative drug Suboxone (buprenorphine and naloxone combined) was recently granted a European Medicines Agency licence. Its use is currently confined to certain drug treatment clinics. An expert group has been set up in the Department to consider the use of Subutex and the new drug Suboxone as alternative treatments for opiate dependency.

Community Pharmacy Services.

Denis Naughten

Question:

346 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide an update to parliamentary questions of 31 January 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14317/07]

As the Deputy is aware, my Department and the HSE have been reviewing the pharmaceutical supply chain, with a view to seeking value for money in the State's drugs bill in order to better fund existing and innovative therapies without compromising continuity of supply or patient safety. The review of the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) and the Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers of Ireland (APMI) Agreements, with the proprietary and generic supplier representative bodies, was completed in mid-2006 and the new agreements are in place.

Following completion of the manufacturer agreements and in line with the process agreed by the Cabinet Committee on Health, the State entered talks with the wholesaler representative body, the Pharmaceutical Distributor's Federation (PDF). As wholesale margins are not addressed in the new IPHA and APMI Agreements, the State intended to negotiate direct formal arrangements with the wholesale sector, to address the cost of wholesale supply to hospital and community through fair, transparent and accountable cost structures. In particular, the State wished to examine the high margin, relative to the EU, for wholesale supply to community pharmacy and the wholesalers' claim that they supply hospitals at a loss.

Early in discussions, PDF refused to negotiate a new margin for community supply, based on its own legal advice. Subsequent advice to the HSE, confirmed by the Attorney General's office and Senior Counsel engaged by the Attorney General, indicated that, under section 4 of the 2002 Competition Act, PDF as an association of undertakings may not collectively negotiate fees, prices or margins on behalf of its members. Given this position, and the fact that the Irish Pharmaceutical Union is also an association of undertakings, it is not possible for the State to negotiate with PDF or the IPU on fees or margins and such negotiations place these bodies at risk of prosecution.

The State had intended to address the review of community pharmacy, and in particular how to improve value for money and transparency and fairness in relation to service provision, through negotiation with the IPU, as it had in the past. This is no longer possible for fees, although contractual matters other than fees may be negotiated. Accordingly, the negotiating team re-examined, in light of the legal position arising from the wholesaler legal advice, how best to address the review of pharmacy contractor services. Following consultation with the IPU, a procedure was agreed to examine available options for advancing contractual negotiations in compliance with Irish and EU competition law. This process, chaired by Mr Bill Shipsey, SC, has commenced.

The State continues to recognise the IPU as the representative body for its members, but negotiations with the Union must comply with the law. The legal issues that emerged during the wholesale sector review were raised by the wholesaler representatives. Once the State became aware of these issues, it was no longer possible to continue as intended. There is, and will continue to be, ongoing dialogue with the IPU as the representative body for pharmacists, within the constraints of the competition legislation and the negotiating team will consider, in the context of competition law and in particular the relevant Competition Authority guidelines, all available options for advancing the process agreed by the Cabinet Committee on Health. I am satisfied that the Cabinet Committee process for review of the supply of drugs to the State is progressing effectively, within the constraints of relevant legislation.

Hospital Services.

Pat Breen

Question:

347 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated with hip surgery. [14338/07]

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.

Medical Cards.

John McGuinness

Question:

348 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will expedite an appeal for a medical card in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny, in view of the medical circumstances of the applicant. [14339/07]

Medical cards are made available to persons and their dependants who would otherwise experience undue hardship in meeting the cost of General Practitioner (GP) services. In 2005 the GP visit card was introduced as a graduated benefit so that people on moderate and lower incomes, particularly parents of young children, who do not qualify for a medical card would not be deterred on cost grounds from visiting their GP.

Since the beginning of 2005 substantial changes have been made to the way in which people's eligibility for a medical card is assessed and these apply equally to the assessment process for a GP visit card. The income guidelines have been increased by a cumulative 29% and in addition allowance is now made for reasonable expenses incurred in respect of mortgage/rent, child care and travel to work costs. In June 2006 I agreed a further adjustment to the income guidelines for GP visit cards. These are now 50% higher than those in respect of medical cards.

As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for these benefits, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Question No. 349 answered with QuestionNo. 295.

Finian McGrath

Question:

350 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support persons (details supplied) in Dublin 3 in their application for a medical card; and if she will assist them on this matter. [14348/07]

Medical cards are made available to persons and their dependants who would otherwise experience undue hardship in meeting the cost of General Practitioner (GP) services. In 2005 the GP visit card was introduced as a graduated benefit so that people on moderate and lower incomes, particularly parents of young children, who do not qualify for a medical card would not be deterred on cost grounds from visiting their GP.

Since the beginning of 2005 substantial changes have been made to the way in which people's eligibility for a medical card is assessed and these apply equally to the assessment process for a GP visit card. The income guidelines have been increased by a cumulative 29% and in addition allowance is now made for reasonable expenses incurred in respect of mortgage/rent, child care and travel to work costs. In June 2006 I agreed a further adjustment to the income guidelines for GP visit cards. These are now 50% higher than those in respect of medical cards.

As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for these benefits, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

351 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in relation to a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14349/07]

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.

Child Care Services.

Billy Timmins

Question:

352 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to a playgroup (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if they will be informed that funding will be provided; if she will look at having each funding period run until the end of the academic year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14352/07]

As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP) and the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP), which are being implemented by the Office of the Minister for Children.

In June 2005 the Group in question was approved €108,800 in staffing grant assistance under the EOCP for the period to 31 December 2007, which is the date that the current scheme of staffing funding under the EOCP runs to. A new scheme of staffing grants under the NCIP is due to be announced later this year and funding under this scheme will be effective from 1 January 2008. The procedures and criteria governing the new grant scheme, including the reporting, approval and payment cycles, are currently under consideration, and will be made available both generally and to existing staffing grant recipients in the coming months, and the Group in question is among those who will be contacted directly in this regard.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

353 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 278 of 3 April 2007, the full details of the services available for severely disabled children who are being cared for in the home; her views on whether this is an area which requires increased support and more accessibility for parents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14359/07]

As the Deputy may be aware, a sum of €75m for revenue purposes was provided to the Health Service Executive for Disability Services in the 2007 Budget. This sum incorporates the 2007 element of the Government's multi-annual investment programme for the National Disability Strategy. This Strategy is committed to enhancing the level and range of multi-disciplinary support services to adults and children with an intellectual, physical and sensory disability and those with autism.

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

Cancer Screening Programme.

Dan Neville

Question:

354 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the waiting times for issuing results of smear tests in County Limerick. [14372/07]

I take it the question refers to the Irish Cervical Screening Programme, which is the responsibility of the National Cancer Screening Service. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Chief Executive Officer of the Service to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the matter raised.

Health Services.

John McGuinness

Question:

355 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on implementing a pilot domino scheme in County Kilkenny and appointing a lactation consultant to improve the maternity services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14389/07]

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

Accident and Emergency Services.

John McGuinness

Question:

356 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if the provision of a new accident and emergency at St. Lukes Hospital, Kilkenny has been approved; if the funding will be provided; the timeframe involved for the approval and construction of such a unit; the capital projects approved for this hospital in 2007; the level of funding approved to be spent in 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14390/07]

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/issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.

Jack Wall

Question:

357 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department has processed the application of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare in regard to repayments under the health repayments scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14398/07]

The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.

Departmental Funding.

Denis Naughten

Question:

358 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will increase the funding provided to Headway Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14408/07]

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.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

359 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in calling a person (details supplied) in County Wexford for the outstanding treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14411/07]

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.

Pat Breen

Question:

360 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated with an appointment for physiotherapy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14416/07]

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.

Pat Breen

Question:

361 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated with home help; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14420/07]

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.

Ambulance Service.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

362 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children if any county has the first response unit working through any of the county ambulance switch boards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14424/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Hospital Accommodation.

Michael Ring

Question:

363 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a long stay bed will be provided to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [14434/07]

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

Health Services.

Michael Ring

Question:

364 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a facility will be provided to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [14445/07]

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

Michael Ring

Question:

365 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be called for physiotherapy. [14447/07]

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.

Billy Timmins

Question:

366 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14460/07]

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

Medical Cards.

John McGuinness

Question:

367 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if a medical card will be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will expedite a decision. [14461/07]

Medical cards are made available to persons and their dependants who would otherwise experience undue hardship in meeting the cost of General Practitioner (GP) services. In 2005 the GP visit card was introduced as a graduated benefit so that people on moderate and lower incomes, particularly parents of young children, who do not qualify for a medical card would not be deterred on cost grounds from visiting their GP.

Since the beginning of 2005 substantial changes have been made to the way in which people's eligibility for a medical card is assessed and these apply equally to the assessment process for a GP visit card. The income guidelines have been increased by a cumulative 29% and in addition allowance is now made for reasonable expenses incurred in respect of mortgage/rent, child care and travel to work costs. In June 2006 I agreed a further adjustment to the income guidelines for GP visit cards. These are now 50% higher than those in respect of medical cards.

As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for these benefits, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Question No. 368 answered with QuestionNo. 297.

Nursing Education.

James Breen

Question:

369 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will address the situation whereby State enrolled nurses, who have achieved their qualifications in the United Kingdom and further abroad, will have their qualifications recognised by the State and be appointed as registered nurses, be it on the appropriate salary point or a reduced increment, in order that they can use their nursing skills to full effect; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14471/07]

The Nurses Act 1985 governs nurse training and registration and the practice of all nurses working in Ireland. An Bord Altranais is the statutory state body established to fulfil the purposes of the Act which include, inter alia, the registration, education and training, fitness to practice of nurses and the use of the title "nurse".

The position is that in this country there is only one level of nurse i.e. Registered General Nurse (RGN) which is equivalent to the British qualification of Registered General Nurse (RGN). The level of general nursing is governed by EU Directives which set down the minimum amount of training required to achieve this qualification or its equivalent throughout the European Union.

Ireland does not have a comparable qualification to the British grade of State Enrolled Nurse (SEN). The SEN was a UK qualification comprising of a two year training programme which required lower entry qualifications than those for pre-registration nursing education programmes. It is not recognised as a nursing qualification under Irish legislation, as training for it is deemed insufficient to qualify as a nurse registered with An Bord Altranais. Following a revision of the UK nurse education structure, SEN second level training ceased in 1992 and SENs were given the opportunity to undertake a conversion course to become RGNs. In 2001, my predecessor announced a special initiative to provide financial support to assist SENs working in the Irish health services to undertake a nursing conversion programme in the UK. Payment of the grant is subject to the SEN giving a written commitment to work in the Irish health service following completion of the programme and registration with An Bord Altranais. Upon successful completion of a conversion course s/he would also be entitled to incremental credit on the staff nurse salary scale of one point for every three years as a SEN (1:3), with the seventh increment being given for twenty years service in the Irish health services.

All EU citizens are entitled to receive equal treatment with Irish nationals in regard to employment in the Irish public health service. Registered nurses, regardless of nationality, receive incremental credit for genuine nursing experience gained anywhere in the world. This has been the position since 1998.

Ambulance Service.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

370 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be provided with an ambulance taxi service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14477/07]

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.

Health Services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

371 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the occupational therapists available for medical card holders in Dublin 15; and the waiting list for same. [14478/07]

Occupational therapy is among a number of Health Service Executive (HSE) community services which are, subject to availability, provided free of charge to medical card holders.

Over 120,000 people work full-time or part-time in our public health services. In recent years, the Government's ongoing high level of investment in health has achieved and maintained significant increases in the numbers of doctors, nurses and other health care professionals employed in the public health services. The Government has also invested heavily in the education and training of such personnel in order to secure a good supply of graduates to provide for the health care needs of the population into the future.

The Primary Care Strategy aims to increase health service capacity through the development of services in the community to give people direct access to integrated multi-disciplinary teams of occupational therapists, general practitioners, nurses, home helps, physiotherapists and others. It has been estimated that up to 95% of people's health and social services needs can be properly met within a primary care setting and the establishment of new Primary Care Teams can contribute greatly to enhancing community based health services.

The HSE received funding totalling €32m in 2006 and 2007 for the establishment of 200 Primary Care Teams, which altogether will involve the appointment of some 600 additional front-line professionals, including a significant number of Occupational Therapists. The Government has committed under the Towards 2016 agreement to the establishment of 300 Primary Care Teams by 2008; 400 by 2009; and 500 by 2011. A review of these targets will be undertaken in 2008. As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for the provision of these services, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

372 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients at the child and family centre, Corduff, Dublin 15, who are in need of occupational therapy assessments. [14479/07]

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 Staff.

Martin Ferris

Question:

373 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children if there are plans to replace the orthopaedic surgeon at CUH when the present incumbent retires; and the number of orthopaedic surgeons in the State at the present time. [14482/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Vaccination Programme.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

374 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children when a vaccine damage compensation scheme will be introduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14483/07]

Richard Bruton

Question:

441 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Government plans to introduce a compensation scheme for children who suffered serious handicap as a result of the State run vaccination scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14771/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 374 and 441.

In its report on Childhood Immunisation, the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children recommended that legislation be drawn up to provide for a no-fault National Vaccine Injury Compensation Scheme. The Vaccine Damage Steering Group has been established to examine the issue of vaccine damage. The Group is committed to producing a preliminary report on its findings by July of this year.

Irish Blood Transfusion Service.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

375 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children when she will implement the recommendations set out in the report of the working group set up by her in March 2006 to examine the nature and extent of haemochromatosis here and to advise her on the action necessary to address the problems caused by haemochromatosis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14484/07]

The working group that I established to examine the nature and extent of haemochromatosis and to advise on the actions necessary to address problems caused by haemochromatosis presented its report to me in June 2006.

A key issue highlighted in the report was that blood from persons with haemochromatosis was not being used by the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS). The IBTS has re-examined its policy on this issue and has decided to establish a pilot venesection programme for haemochromatosis patients in one of its clinics. Subject to the usual screening protocols, blood from haemochromatosis patients will be used by the IBTS. A clinician has been appointed to one of the IBTS clinics to oversee the pilot programme.

Arising from the publication of the report the Irish Insurance Federation has agreed to investigate any complaint about life or health insurance cover linked to diagnosis with haemochromatosis. My Department has asked the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Health Service Executive to advise the Deputy of progress it has made in relation to the recommendations relevant to its area of responsibility.

The Irish Haemochromatosis Association, for its part, continues to increase awareness of the condition among both clinicians and patients. It is in discussion with the Irish College of General Practitioners. It has 900 people on its database and has just produced an updated information booklet which is being circulated to all members.

Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

376 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if claims under the nursing home repayment scheme are being processed not in chronological order but on a nursing home basis; if so, the sequence in which each home’s claims will be processed; the approximate timeframe for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14489/07]

The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

377 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of the application under the nursing home repayment scheme by a person (details supplied). [14490/07]

The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive.

My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Pat Breen

Question:

378 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated with an appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14524/07]

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.

Nursing Home Subventions.

Pat Breen

Question:

379 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Clare did not qualify for the enhanced subvention; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14527/07]

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

Health Services.

Pat Breen

Question:

380 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated with a transfer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14532/07]

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 Homes Repayment Scheme.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

381 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Health and Children when payment of a nursing home refund will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal. [14533/07]

The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive.

My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.

Medical Aids and Appliances.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

382 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of the application for a hearing aid for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14534/07]

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.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

383 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of the application for a hearing aid for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14535/07]

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.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

384 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children when and the person by whom the catchment area for physiotherapy services for Beaumont Hospital was set; the person who has responsibility for determining the boundary for this catchment area; when the electoral divisions covered were last reviewed; if she plans to review same; if so, the timescale for making changes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14540/07]

Róisín Shortall

Question:

385 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the person who has responsibility for determining the catchment area or other qualifying criteria for physiotherapy services for each hospital; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that several anomalies exist resulting in no cover for patients in certain parts of Dublin; and the steps being taken, in advance of the roll-out of primary care centres, to ensure that every area of Dublin is covered by hospital physiotherapy services. [14541/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 384 and 385 together.

The Primary Care Strategy aims to develop services in the community to give people direct access to locally-based integrated multidisciplinary teams of general practitioners, nurses, home helps, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and others. As part of the development of primary care there has been a very significant increase in resources and capacity for delivery of physiotherapy services in primary care settings, with a target of in excess of 70 new physiotherapy posts to be created with the funding made available in 2006. It is anticipated that physiotherapy capacity will be further expanded in 2007 as a result of the planned establishment of a further 100 Primary Care Teams.

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 address the particular issues raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Pat Breen

Question:

386 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 293 of 7 November 2006, if the Health Service Executive has completed its consideration of the revenue requirement for the new CT scanner at Ennis General Hospital; if the decision to provide a six slice scanner has been reconsidered; the time-table for the roll-out of the service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14548/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Civil Registration.

Michael Ring

Question:

387 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if a late birth registration of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has been dealt with. [14552/07]

An tArd-Chláraitheoir, the Registrar General, is the person with the statutory responsibility for the administration of the civil registration system in Ireland. I have made enquiries with an tArd Chláraitheoir and he has informed me that the birth referred to by the Deputy has now been registered and that the person (details supplied) may obtain a birth certificate in any Civil Registration office.

Care of the Elderly.

Joe Higgins

Question:

388 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will commit the necessary resources to implement the Dementia Manifesto 2007 to 2009 launched by the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland to support individuals and families living with dementia. [14555/07]

The development of Services for Older People, including the development of services for people with dementia, is a priority for the Government. This is reflected in the funding committed to Services for Older People in Budgets 2006 and 2007. Last year, the Government funded the largest ever expansion in Services for Older People with a full year cost of €150 million. This year a full year package of €255 million has been allocated for Services for Older People. This gives a total of over €400 million added to services for older people over two years.

Government policy in relation to older people is to support people to live in dignity and independence in their own homes and communities for as long as possible and, where this is not possible, to support access to quality long-term residential care. This policy approach is renewed and developed in the latest partnership agreement, Towards 2016. The Action Plan for Dementia, published in 1999, describes a model of best practice for the provision and planning of dementia care in Ireland.

There is a complementary link between Government policy in the area of the care of older people and care for people with dementia. Both policies stress the need to provide support in dignity and independence, through the provision of appropriate services to the people concerned and their carers. The Government is fully committed to providing such support and service improvement, including the expansion of community and residential care services for people with dementia. This commitment is reflected in the additional funding of approximately €109 million in Budget 2006 and €82 million in Budget 2007 which was allocated to community supports for older people, including those with dementia. These supports include Home Care Packages, the Home Help Scheme and Respite Care.

The additional funding provided for Home Care Packages and the Home Help Scheme will further enhance the supports available to families caring for people with dementia at home. In 2006 a total of 2,000 extra Home Care Packages were provided at a full year cost of €55 million (prior to this date only 1,100 Packages had been in operation on a pilot basis). A similar increase in the number of Packages will be provided in 2007, benefiting some 4,000 people. An additional €21 million has been provided in 2007 to fund the cost of some 780,000 additional Home Help hours in 2007. This brings the total funding allocated to Home Helps to approximately €171 million per annum.

Among the areas where funding has been provided are day care and respite care which are an integral part of delivering a comprehensive community service for older people. Day care and respite care offer respite for family members and/or carers and provide social stimulation in a safe environment for older people with mild forms of dementia. The provision of an additional €9 million in 2006 funded a further 1,325 additional places per week in these centres, together with additional programmes for specific needs such as activity therapy. It also means that many day care centres can increase the number of days per week they open. Additional funding of €3.5 million provided in Budget 2007 will cater for a further 1,100 day places per week in day care centres.

The HSE has responsibility for the planning and management of capital projects in the health sector, including the development of services for people suffering from Dementia. The HSE's capital plan for 2007 has recently been approved and includes an allocation of €107 million for older people specific projects.

Health Services.

Billy Timmins

Question:

389 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14556/07]

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.

Hospital Services.

John Perry

Question:

390 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will again intervene with Cappagh Hospital on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo and have them called for their appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14560/07]

My Department has been informed by the Health Service Executive that a reply has issued to the Deputy on 20 April 2007.

National Treatment Purchase Fund.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

391 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children if, regarding the delay being experienced by cancer patients at UCHG, she will offer the National Treatment Purchase Fund as an alternative to these patients if it is not possible for them to have the treatment at UCHG; if she will ensure that necessary procedures are carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14561/07]

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 examine the matters raised, including the possible need to refer cases to the National Treatment Purchase Fund, and to respond directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Jack Wall

Question:

392 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children if an early appointment will be arranged for a person (details supplied) in County Carlow in view of their concerns in relation to the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14565/07]

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.

Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.

John McGuinness

Question:

393 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the length of time it will take to process a claim under the health payment scheme for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will expedite the matter. [14568/07]

The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.

Medical Cards.

John McGuinness

Question:

394 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if an application for a medical card in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be approved on medical grounds on appeal; and if she will expedite a decision. [14569/07]

Medical cards are made available to persons and their dependants who would otherwise experience undue hardship in meeting the cost of General Practitioner (GP) services. In 2005 the GP visit card was introduced as a graduated benefit so that people on moderate and lower incomes, particularly parents of young children, who do not qualify for a medical card would not be deterred on cost grounds from visiting their GP.

Since the beginning of 2005 substantial changes have been made to the way in which people's eligibility for a medical card is assessed and these apply equally to the assessment process for a GP visit card. The income guidelines have been increased by a cumulative 29% and in addition allowance is now made for reasonable expenses incurred in respect of mortgage/rent, child care and travel to work costs. In June 2006 I agreed a further adjustment to the income guidelines for GP visit cards. These are now 50% higher than those in respect of medical cards.

As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for these benefits, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Pat Breen

Question:

395 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 329 of 27 March 2007, if generic complaints regarding irreversible damage having been caused to children’s teeth following the cessation of the orthodontic regional training programmes in 1999 have been made to her Department by consultant orthodontists; the action she has taken on foot of those complaints; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14571/07]

I am aware of allegations that some unidentified children were damaged as a result of having their orthodontic treatment interrupted. Any such allegations, in respect of individual children, are matters for consideration in the first instance by the HSE and by the Dental Council.

Medical Cards.

Bernard Allen

Question:

396 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork, has not received a decision on their application for a medical card. [14573/07]

Medical cards are made available to persons and their dependants who would otherwise experience undue hardship in meeting the cost of General Practitioner (GP) services. In 2005 the GP visit card was introduced as a graduated benefit so that people on moderate and lower incomes, particularly parents of young children, who do not qualify for a medical card would not be deterred on cost grounds from visiting their GP.

Since the beginning of 2005 substantial changes have been made to the way in which people's eligibility for a medical card is assessed and these apply equally to the assessment process for a GP visit card. The income guidelines have been increased by a cumulative 29% and in addition allowance is now made for reasonable expenses incurred in respect of mortgage/rent, child care and travel to work costs. In June 2006 I agreed a further adjustment to the income guidelines for GP visit cards. These are now 50% higher than those in respect of medical cards.

As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for these benefits, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Denis Naughten

Question:

397 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a service (details supplied) in County Limerick has not been available to date; the capital funding provided for the project; when the funding will be provided to open the facility; the timetable for the opening; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14582/07]

As the Deputy may be aware, a sum of €75 million for revenue purposes was provided to the Health Service Executive for Disability Services in the 2007 Budget. This sum incorporates the 2007 element of the Government's multi-annual investment programme for the National Disability Strategy. This Strategy is committed to enhancing the level and range of multidisciplinary support services to adults and children with an intellectual, physical and sensory disability and those with autism.

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

Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

398 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children the position of an application for the refund of nursing home charges in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14589/07]

The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.

Hospital Staff.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

399 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide the necessary resources to allow for the establishment at the Mercy Hospital Cork, of a dietician post to specialise in the ketogenic diet for persons suffering from uncontrolled epilepsy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14598/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Service Executive Property.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

400 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has received a request from a group (details supplied) in County Kerry for the use of around 30 acres of Health Service Executive lands at Ballydribeen, Killarney, for social housing along with facilities for a number of voluntary, social care and sporting organisations; if favourable consideration will be given to the request, especially in view of the support for the plan expressed by Killarney Town Council; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14604/07]

Under the Health Act 2004, operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive. This includes the matter of estates management. Correspondence was received by the Minister in relation to this matter and was referred to the Chief Executive Officer of the HSE for direct reply.

Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

401 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children when payment will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow regarding illegal charging. [14620/07]

The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.

Medical Cards.

John McGuinness

Question:

402 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will expedite an appeal against the decision of the Health Service Executive not to issue a medical card in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will insist on the card being issued on medical grounds. [14621/07]

Medical cards are made available to persons and their dependants who would otherwise experience undue hardship in meeting the cost of General Practitioner (GP) services. In 2005 the GP visit card was introduced as a graduated benefit so that people on moderate and lower incomes, particularly parents of young children, who do not qualify for a medical card would not be deterred on cost grounds from visiting their GP.

Since the beginning of 2005 substantial changes have been made to the way in which people's eligibility for a medical card is assessed and these apply equally to the assessment process for a GP visit card. The income guidelines have been increased by a cumulative 29% and in addition allowance is now made for reasonable expenses incurred in respect of mortgage/rent, child care and travel to work costs. In June 2006 I agreed a further adjustment to the income guidelines for GP visit cards. These are now 50% higher than those in respect of medical cards.

As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for these benefits, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

403 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when provision can or will be made for a special needs dentist to cover children attending a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14622/07]

The statutory position governing the eligibility of children to dental treatment under the Health Service Executive (HSE) service is Section 66 of the Health Act 1970, the Health (Amendment) Act 1994 and the Health (Dental Services for Children) Regulations 2000 (S.I. No. 248 of 2000). Responsibility for delivery of health services is a matter for the HSE.

Children in specific classes in national school, usually second, fourth and sixth class, are targeted for preventive measures under the school based approach; the children in these classes are screened and referred for treatment as necessary; the programme has been specifically designed to ensure that children are dentally fit before they leave national school. The screening provided in second, fourth and sixth classes ensures that follow up appointments for examination, treatment or orthodontic review are made, as necessary, with the Dental Surgeon in the clinic designated for the particular school(s). Children who have attended national school retain eligibility to dental treatment up to their 16th birthday.

The Irish Medicines Board (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006, contains provision for the amendment of section 66 of the Health Act 1970 to provide for a health examination and treatment service for pupils attending any primary school. The Irish Medicines Board (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 also contains provision for the amendment of the Health (Amendment) Act 1994 to provide dental health services to children attending any primary school. My officials are currently in discussion with the Health Service Executive with a view to ensuring an early commencement to the relevant sections of the Act.

Pension Provisions.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

404 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when pension pay and lump sum will be granted in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who has not received payment except for one holiday pay cheque since October 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14623/07]

The Health Service Executive has responsibility for the administration of the Local Government Superannuation Scheme (LGSS). 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.

Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

405 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when repayment of nursing home charges will be refunded to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14624/07]

The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.

Mental Health Services.

James McDaid

Question:

406 Dr. McDaid asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients released by the Mental Health Tribunal who were, in the opinion of the tribunal, not suffering from a mental disorder as defined in Part 1 section 3 of the Mental Health Act 2001 and were therefore being detained illegally; the number of patients who were released as a result of a technicality discovered by the tribunal in relation to their admission procedure; and the number of the patients released due to a technicality who were subsequently readmitted involuntarily to an approved centre at a later date. [14625/07]

In the first four months of the operation of Part 2 of the Mental Health Act 2001 i.e. from 1 November 2006 to 28 February 2007, 556 Mental Health Tribunals were held. In this period 83 orders for involuntary detention were revoked.

In 50 of these cases the Mental Health Tribunal was not satisfied that the legal definition of mental disorder was met on the day of the tribunal. The remaining 33 cases were revoked on the day of the Mental Health Tribunal hearing for other reasons such as jurisdiction, procedural matters and interpretation of the new legislation. The number of patients who were subsequently readmitted involuntarily is not available. All involuntary re-admissions to an approved centre are reviewed by a Mental Health Tribunal.

Housing Aid for the Elderly.

Pat Breen

Question:

407 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when an application for a person (details supplied) in County Clare under the housing aid for the elderly scheme will be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14626/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive (HSE) under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote.

The HSE's responsibility includes the operation of the Housing Aid Scheme for the Elderly, on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Hospital Services.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

408 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 has not received adequate assistance towards taxi costs in all of the circumstances; if she will be liable for the payment of €160 per week as notified by Simpson’s Hospital as a maintenance charge; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14627/07]

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.

Question No. 409 answered with QuestionNo. 297.

Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.

John McGuinness

Question:

410 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will expedite payment of the refund of hospital charges in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14629/07]

The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.

John McGuinness

Question:

411 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the timeframe involved for the repayment of nursing home charges in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if she will expedite payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14630/07]

The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.

Industrial Disputes.

Michael Noonan

Question:

412 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will intervene in the nurses’ dispute with a view to initiating meaningful negotiations with the INO and the PNA; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14632/07]

The issues of nurses' pay and working hours have been fully processed through the State's industrial relations structures and procedures — the Labour Relations Commission and the Labour Court. Health service management have accepted in full the Labour Court Recommendation. The Irish Nurses Organisation and Psychiatric Nurses Association state that they have neither accepted nor rejected this Recommendation and instead served notice of industrial action.

The INO and PNA had been originally due to commence industrial action from 12 March 2007. Following contacts between Government representatives and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) it was agreed to put in place an intensive time bound process of engagement under the aegis of the National Implementation Body (NIB), to address the issues underpinning the dispute, taking account of the relevant Labour Court recommendations. The INO and PNA postponed their industrial action for the duration of the NIB talks.

The Labour Court was clear and unambiguous in its Recommendation in relation to the two key issues in dispute. In relation to the claim for a reduction in working hours from 39 to 35 hours per week, the Court recommended 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.

In relation to the pay anomaly in the Intellectual Disability sector, the Court noted that the unions had considerably broadened the claim to encompass the totality of nursing and midwifery grades. It was the view of the Court that such a claim could only be processed through Benchmarking.

The NIB talks adjourned on 1 April without agreement. The INO and PNA commenced a nationwide work to rule on 2 April and a series of short work stoppages started on 11 April. The HSE has reported that the work to rule is having a serious impact on patient care throughout the service and the work stoppages have resulted in the cancellation of a number of elective procedures. There are significant costs to the health service associated with the contingency arrangements that the health service has been forced to put in place as a result of the INO and PNA industrial action. I am concerned that funds provided for patient services are being diverted to pay for overtime and agency workers because of the refusal by INO and PNA members to work normally.

The NIB held informal exploratory talks with both sides on Monday 23 April. It was agreed that face to face talks will be held this afternoon. I welcome these discussions and the decision by the INO and PNA to call off the escalation of work stoppages planned for tomorrow and Friday.

Health Service Staff.

Michael Ring

Question:

413 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason more positions are not created in a service (details supplied) in view of the fact that there are waiting lists of people wanting to avail of this service. [14633/07]

Over 120,000 people work full-time or part-time in our public health services. In recent years, the Government's ongoing high level of investment in health has achieved and maintained significant increases in the numbers of doctors, nurses and other health care professionals employed in the public health services. The Government has also invested heavily in the education and training of such personnel in order to secure a good supply of graduates to provide for the health care needs of the population into the future.

I am aware that some physiotherapy graduates have had difficulties in finding employment in the public health service. I want to ensure that the combination of factors which have led to this situation are addressed urgently. My Department is addressing this situation in a proactive manner and is working closely with the HSE to tackle the various factors which are contributing to this situation.

I understand that the HSE ran a national recruitment campaign in January for physiotherapy posts, panels were formed and a number of graduates were offered jobs. A working group made up of the Department, the HSE and the profession itself, including nominees from the unions, is continuing to work to see what can be done to tackle this situation in preparation for the 2007 graduates.

Health Services.

Pat Breen

Question:

414 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) will be facilitated with home help; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14678/07]

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

Medical Cards.

Michael Ring

Question:

415 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will increase the value given towards standard prescription spectacles for medical card holders who avail of optical and ophthalmic services from private practitioners; when this amount was last increased; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14679/07]

The ophthalmic scheme operated by the Health Service Executive, under Section 67 of the Health Act 1970, provides for a sight test and spectacles, free of charge, once every two years for adult medical card holders and dependants not covered by the relevant child health service. The scheme does not provide for the payment of a contribution towards the cost of spectacles. The schedule of fees payable, to practitioners, in respect of this scheme are reviewed annually and were last increased in July 2006.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Michael Ring

Question:

416 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive an appointment with an occupational therapist. [14680/07]

As the Deputy may be aware, a sum of €75 million for revenue purposes was provided to the Health Service Executive for Disability Services in the 2007 Budget. This sum incorporates the 2007 element of the Government's multi-annual investment programme for the National Disability Strategy. This Strategy is committed to enhancing the level and range of multidisciplinary support services to adults and children with an intellectual, physical and sensory disability and those with autism.

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

Health Services.

Michael Ring

Question:

417 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will commence physiotherapy in view of the fact that they were promised this service several weeks ago on their discharge to a nursing home. [14681/07]

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

Medical Cards.

Pat Breen

Question:

418 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when an application for a medical card will be processed for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14682/07]

Medical cards are made available to persons and their dependants who would otherwise experience undue hardship in meeting the cost of General Practitioner (GP) services. In 2005 the GP visit card was introduced as a graduated benefit so that people on moderate and lower incomes, particularly parents of young children, who do not qualify for a medical card would not be deterred on cost grounds from visiting their GP.

Since the beginning of 2005 substantial changes have been made to the way in which people's eligibility for a medical card is assessed and these apply equally to the assessment process for a GP visit card. The income guidelines have been increased by a cumulative 29% and in addition allowance is now made for reasonable expenses incurred in respect of mortgage/rent, child care and travel to work costs. In June 2006 I agreed a further adjustment to the income guidelines for GP visit cards. These are now 50% higher than those in respect of medical cards.

As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for these benefits, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Pat Breen

Question:

419 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated with orthodontic treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14683/07]

Pat Breen

Question:

436 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated with orthodontic treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14739/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 419 and 436 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.

Mental Health Services.

John Gormley

Question:

420 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will reconsider the Government’s proposal to relocate the Central Mental Hospital to a new site adjacent to the new prison site at Thornton Hall; if she has received letters from various carers’ groups who are very concerned about this proposed relocation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14684/07]

In May 2006, the Government approved the development of a new national forensic mental health facility at Thornton Hall, Co. Dublin and the disposal of the site at Dundrum. The Health Service Executive has established a project team to progress the redevelopment of the Central Mental Hospital.

Health Services.

John Gormley

Question:

421 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps being taken to deal with the problem of cerebral palsy here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14685/07]

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

Questions Nos. 422 and 423 answered with Question No. 280.

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Finian McGrath

Question:

424 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will assist a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 on a waiting list. [14688/07]

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 Staff.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

425 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of consultant physicians who were appointed in 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14689/07]

More than 120,000 people work full-time or part-time in our public health services. In recent years, the Government's ongoing high level of investment in health has achieved and maintained significant increases in the numbers of doctors, nurses and other health care professionals employed in the public health services. The Government has also invested heavily in the education and training of such personnel in order to secure a good supply of graduates to provide for the health care needs of the population into the future.

Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

426 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients awaiting in-patient treatment and out-patient treatment at Beaumont Hospital; the number of patients waiting for procedures listed by speciality; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14690/07]

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 issues raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Hospital Services.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

427 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans for a new child leukaemia unit at Temple Street Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14691/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

428 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children when the people of north Dublin can expect a permanent urology Department at Beaumont Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14692/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Finian McGrath

Question:

429 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will assist a person (details supplied) with a disability; and if she will work with their family on this matter. [14694/07]

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

Question No. 430 answered with QuestionNo. 285.

Child Care Services.

Willie Penrose

Question:

431 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in relation to the national child care investment programme 2006 to 2010 applications for a community based capital grant have been deferred; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this will slow down such applications, which need to be progressed; the steps she will take to ensure that these are now addressed without further delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14717/07]

As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP) and the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP), which are being implemented by the Office of the Minister for Children.

The NCIP is a key element of the National Childcare Strategy 2006-2010 and came into effect from 1 January 2006. The decision of the Government to create a major new 5 year investment programme immediately, rather than wait until the EOCP expired, is evidence of the Government's commitment to the provision of quality childcare. Capital grant applications under the NCIP are assessed under a number of criteria; chiefly the nature and extent of the need locally for the service proposed, the applicant's capacity to deliver the project proposed and value for money. All proposals are expected to demonstrate how they will increase the supply of quality childcare, and furthermore, community projects are expected to have a focus on disadvantage.

Following a review of the operation of the Programme to date, and in the context of the Value for Money Review of the EOCP, revised Guidelines for the assessment of capital grant applications were issued recently to the City and County Childcare Committees (CCCs) who carry out the initial stage of grant assessment. To enable the Guidelines to be properly considered and applied, it is necessary in the case of the large-scale community sector grant applications, to defer finalisation of the initial assessment process for a short period. However, this is not expected to cause any undue delay to these grant applicants, most of whom are seeking funding for longer-term projects, and priority will be given to any who would be in a position to open later this year.

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the Guidelines include a number of enhancements to the capital grant scheme, including:

an increase in the maximum grant aid per place for community projects, from a benchmark of €20,000 to €24,000;

an increase in the maximum grant for community projects, from €1 million to €1.2 million; and

a new scheme to support services, such as sessional playgroups, which are not continuously open for the minimum periods currently required under the main scheme of grants.

In addition, the Guidelines will further assist the City and County Childcare Committees (CCCs) in their role in the initial assessment of applications. Both Pobal, who manage the day to day operation of the programme on behalf of my Office, and the CCCs will continue to work with and advise applicants throughout the process.

Question No. 432 answered with QuestionNo. 285.

Hospital Services.

Willie Penrose

Question:

433 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in regard to the future of surgical services at Roscommon Hospital and in particular if all surgical services currently available at Roscommon General Hospital will remain so available for the foreseeable future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14719/07]

The Health Service Executive has informed my Department that it envisages that a broader range of surgical services will be developed at Roscommon County Hospital. A joint surgical department is being developed between Roscommon County Hospital and Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe in order to secure the viability of their current surgical units and provide the optimum service to their catchment population.

Health Services.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

434 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14721/07]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the matter raised.

Health Service Staff.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

435 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children the situation regarding the waiting list for the dental hygienist in Ballina, County Mayo; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that hundreds of children are already awaiting this service; if she will appoint a dental hygienist in Ballina as at present the hygienist only works one day a week in Ballina; if this is the reason for the long waiting list; her views on whether this is acceptable; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14738/07]

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

Question No. 436 answered with QuestionNo. 419.

Pension Provisions.

John McGuinness

Question:

437 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will clarify the employment record of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny for the period prior to 1967 when they worked at Kilcreene Hospital, Kilkenny, for pension purposes; if these years worked will add to their pension entitlements from the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14740/07]

The Health Service Executive have responsibility for the administration of the Local Government Superannuation Scheme (LGSS). 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.

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Liam Aylward

Question:

438 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in having a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny admitted for surgery to Beaumont Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14754/07]

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.

Disabled Drivers.

Bernard Allen

Question:

439 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason an application for a disabled driver’s grant submitted by a person (details supplied) in County Cork was refused. [14758/07]

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

Departmental Funding.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

440 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the State funding currently being provided to the Coeliac Society of Ireland; if she plans to increase the level of funding in view of the large number of coeliacs here; the actual number of coeliacs here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14761/07]

Responsibility for the payment of grants to those voluntary organisations involved in health promotion, raising awareness or providing support services for people suffering from particular conditions now rests with the Health Service Executive (HSE). It is a matter for the Executive to decide the level of support it provides to the various voluntary organisations based on the funding available and the relative merits of the applications received. It is my understanding that the actual number of coeliacs in Ireland is estimated at approximately one percent of the population.

Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Question No. 441 answered with QuestionNo. 374.

Health Services.

Pat Breen

Question:

442 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated with a transfer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14773/07]

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.

Finian McGrath

Question:

443 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will work with the Department of Social and Family Affairs on the delays in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if she will work with the family on this matter. [14775/07]

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

Departmental Funding.

Denis Naughten

Question:

444 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide funding at the County Hospital, Roscommon for the development of a support unit and continuing care unit for palliative patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14789/07]

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

Health Services.

Denis Naughten

Question:

445 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children when the hospice beds in Boyle, County Roscommon will be opened; the steps she is taking to resolve the outstanding issues; the cost of staffing the facility to date; the running cost of the facility; the capital investment provided to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14790/07]

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.

Denis Naughten

Question:

446 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to develop palliative care beds in County Roscommon; the provision for such beds in the capital programme; if previous commitments have been given to the hospice movement on the development of such facilities; the timetable for delivery on such commitments; when all existing palliative care beds in the county will be made available for use by patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14791/07]

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

Hospital Waiting Lists.

John McGuinness

Question:

447 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in making an appointment for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if an appointment and operation will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14812/07]

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.

Industrial Disputes.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

448 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has received correspondence in relation to benchmarking from the INO (details supplied); her plans in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14821/07]

I can confirm that I have received correspondence from the Deputy enclosing an Irish Nurses Organisation press release and briefing document. The INO documents outline its position on Benchmarking.

Social partnership agreements have created and sustained the conditions for economic growth over the last decade and significantly enhanced the position of employees in the public and private sector. The parties to the last agreement, Sustaining Progress, had agreed that the Benchmarking exercise was an important initiative in developing a better system of pay determination in the public service. The parties further agreed that this process is an appropriate way of determining public service pay rates in the future. The INO had signed up to Sustaining Progress and their members had received increases of 13.16% under this agreement, in addition to Benchmarking increases of between 8% and 16%.

A new Public Service Benchmarking Body (PSBB) was established on 13 January 2006 by the Minister for Finance. This new PSBB is the sole mechanism for the determination of the pay of public servants. Benchmarking provides an objective means of assessing the appropriate pay for particular groups or professions including nurses. The terms of reference of the PSBB were agreed with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions. The INO is a member of ICTU. The terms of reference of the PSBB specifically refer to Labour Court Recommendations 17805 and 17526. These Recommendations relate to claims by nurses' unions in relation to the pay 'anomaly' between some nurses and social care workers in the Intellectual Disability Sector and also claims for a 35 hour week, a Dublin Weighting Allowance and improvements in premium pay.

The work of the PSBB is well advanced and it is currently considering nurses pay claims. SIPTU has made written and oral submissions on behalf of its members who are nurses and midwives. The INO have declined to make a submission on behalf of its members. 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 would urge the INO to reconsider their position and make a submission to the PSBB on behalf of their members as other nursing unions have done.

Programmes for Government.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

449 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has received correspondence from the Disability Federation of Ireland in relation to the Programme for Government 2007 to 2012 document; her plans to address this issue in early course; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14825/07]

I have received correspondence from the Disability Federation of Ireland in relation to this matter. The issues concerned will be raised with the HSE through the ongoing discussions my Department has with the HSE in relation to providing health services for people with disabilities.

Medical Records.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

450 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will allow an extension of the statue of limitations, that is three years, to access the medical records of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon. [14856/07]

Individuals have a right of access to their medical records under freedom of information and data protection legislation. Provided the records sought are still in existence, there is no statutory period or limit within which a request for access is to be made.

Autism Services.

John McGuinness

Question:

451 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the reasoning behind the decision not to provide a centre for the care of people with autism at Myshall, County Carlow; the person who made this decision; the consultation process which led to the decision; if autism services will be provided elsewhere and developed; the value of the property on the date of purchase and the value at present; the intentions of the Health Service Executive relative to this property; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14859/07]

As the Deputy is aware the property at Myshall, Co. Carlow was purchased by the OPW on behalf of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform to accommodate asylum seekers. However, the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform decided against using the property for that purpose. Subsequently, the property was gifted by the OPW to the Department of Health and Children who in turn transferred ownership of the property in January, 2003 to the former South Eastern Health Board in whose area the property is located.

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

Health Services.

John McGuinness

Question:

452 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of appointments which have to be made with private professionals for assessment of children with ADD and ADHD in Counties Carlow and Kilkenny; the number of children that have been assessed; the professional follow up available in both counties arising from each assessment; the names and contact details of the persons who are responsible for the initial assessments and the follow up thereafter; if a full team of professionals have been appointed by the Health Service Executive in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14860/07]

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 matters raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Joan Burton

Question:

453 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to the proposal for private hospitals on public hospital land; if decisions have been made as to which proposals have been accepted; the position in relation to Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown; the proposals or tenders that have been received in relation to a private hospital on the grounds of Connolly Hospital; if a decision has been reached; the decision that has been made; the name of the developer or group putting forward such proposals; the size of the proposed hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14874/07]

On foot of a Government decision, I issued a policy direction to the Health Service Executive (HSE) in July 2005 on the co-location of private hospitals on the sites of public hospitals in order to free up 1,000 beds for public patients.

My Department has been informed by the HSE that Invitation to Tender (ITT) documents were issued to the shortlisted bidders on Thursday 19th April 2007 in relation to the following public hospital sites:

1 Waterford Regional Hospital

2 Cork University Hospital

3 Limerick Regional Hospital

4 Sligo General Hospital

5 Beaumont Hospital

6 St. James's Hospital

It is expected that the Invitations To Tender for Connolly Hospital (Blanchardstown) and the Adelaide and Meath Hospital incorporating the National Children's Hospital (Tallaght) will issue at a later date.

Tenders are due to be submitted to the HSE by 17th May 2007. The HSE will evaluate the tenders and select the successful bidders during the following 2 weeks. Following that a "stand still" period of 2 weeks is required by procurement law before agreements can be signed with successful bidders.

Hospital Services.

Joan Burton

Question:

454 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department has made an additional provision for a CT scanner, MRI and other imaging equipment for Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown; the funds to be allocated for same; when the equipment will be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14875/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

455 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the proposal for a new health centre for Dunleer, County Louth; if a site has been acquired for the centre, the number of tenders received; if a tender has been approved; the expected cost of the centre; the services and the number of rooms that will be available at the centre; when work will commence on the centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14893/07]

The Government's sustained high level of investment in healthcare has enabled the completion and commissioning of numerous new facilities in both the acute and the non-acute sectors. This year, overall capital funding of €546 million has been provided to the Health Service Executive.

The HSE has responsibility for the planning and management of capital projects in the health sector, including the development referred to in the Deputy's question. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

John McGuinness

Question:

456 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if a pack of 52 paper bed sheets will be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; the reason so many officials had to examine this simple request; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14894/07]

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 Inquiries.

Dan Neville

Question:

457 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will establish an independent clinical review process to examine all aspects of the care and treatment provided to a person (details supplied) in County Cork in the course of their admission to the acute psychiatric in-patient unit of Cork University Hospital on 17 October 2004. [14897/07]

In March 2005, I asked the Mental Health Commission to prepare a report on the circumstances surrounding the death of the person who died in the acute psychiatric unit of Cork University Hospital in October 2004. The Report was received in my Department in November 2006.

In preparing their Report the Commission sought information from the Health Service Executive, Southern area on the actions undertaken by the health service since the death of the named person. The Inspectorate also carried out a review of the circumstances surrounding the death.

Under the Health Act 2004, operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive. Accordingly, my Department wrote to the Health Service Executive, requesting that all shortcomings identified in the Report be addressed as a matter of urgency.

Health Service Staff.

Michael Ring

Question:

458 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be registered. [14898/07]

An Bord Altranais has statutory responsibility for the registration of nurses under the Nurses Act, 1985.

I am sure that the Deputy will appreciate that An Bord Altranais must process each application thoroughly to ensure that all those entered on the Register of Nurses are deemed professionally qualified and competent for such registration. The protection of the public underpins this process. I am satisfied that the Board discharges its functions in a professional manner.

Given the statutory functions of the Board and its independence in this regard, it would not be appropriate for the Minister to intervene in individual applications for registration.

Nursing Home Subventions.

Richard Bruton

Question:

459 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make different arrangements for the contribution of persons with long-term acute disability to the cost of long-term residential care from the new rules applying to nursing home charges as such people only have access to disability allowance and have no chance to accumulate property and would have great difficulty if all they are left with is 20% of the disability allowance. [14917/07]

We are currently examining a range of issues in the context of drafting legislation for the new Nursing Home Support Scheme — A Fair Deal. This particular issue has been brought to our attention and it, along with other issues that have been raised, is being considered.

Health Service Staff.

Richard Bruton

Question:

460 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the situation regarding the recruitment of specialist staff in the treatment if cystic fibrosis; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that only 11 of the 56 positions have been filled to date; the number of recruitments scheduled by year end 2007; the proposed schedule on total recruitment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14918/07]

I have identified the enhancement of services for people with cystic fibrosis as a key priority in 2006 and again in 2007. Development funding of €4.78 million was provided to the Health Service Executive in 2006 to facilitate the recruitment of additional medical, nursing and allied health professional staff to improve services for cystic fibrosis patients. Additional funding of €2 million has been allocated this year to build on the investment provided in 2006.

My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the specific issues investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Departmental Funding.

Jack Wall

Question:

461 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children if there is a cap on payments to non governmental organisations in relation to funding from her Department or the Health Service Executive in relation to support groups that provide services for those who suffer from domestic violence; the limit of such a cap; if her Department received submissions from such groups in relation to extra funding; the decision by the her Department in relation to such a request; if the HSE received such requests; the decisions made in relation to such requests for each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14921/07]

Jack Wall

Question:

462 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the funding provided to the non governmental organisations from her Department and the Health Service Executive over each of the past five years for the provision of services for those who suffer domestic violence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14922/07]

Jack Wall

Question:

463 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the funding provided by her Department or the Health Service Executive to support groups or non governmental organisations in relation to care and support services for children and young people effected by domestic violence in each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14924/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 461 to 463, inclusive, together.

The Department of Health and Children does not fund directly or co-ordinate health and personal social services to victims of abuse. Monies are made available each year, formerly through the health boards, and now through the Health Services Executive, for the provision of services to women victims of violence.

Funding was, up to the end of 2004, provided by the Department of Health and Children to the health boards for the provision of health-related services to women victims of violence. Additional funding was made available each year, from 1997 to 2003 from the health vote. During this period, the annual funding allocation rose from €3m to €12m. This annual level of funding (€12m) continued from 2003 to 2006 inclusive. During this time payments were made to the relevant organizations in respect of general round pay increases and benchmarking where this applied. It is important to remember that this funding does not include further personal and support services provided by the HSE to victims such as services provided by GPs, hospitals, social workers and counsellors.

Since January 2005, the distribution of this funding allocation has been a matter for the Health Services Executive.

In the current financial year a further €6m was allocated to the Violence Against Women sector. €4.5m was allocated for overall service provision in this area. A further €1.5m was allocated for the implementation of the Review of the Sexual Assault Treatment Services, with a commitment to increase this allocation by €1m in 2008 to cover the full year cost of implementing those recommendations.

In addition over €240 million has been invested in family support and child protection services since 1997. Services for children at risk and their families include Springboard Projects, Teen Parent Support Programmes, Community Mothers Programme and Community Care Social Work services.

The management and delivery of health and personal social services, including the provision of care and support services to children and young people affected by domestic violence, are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act, 2004.

The manner in which this increased allocation is apportioned to service providers is a matter for the HSE, as is the overall allocation of funding amongst the range of services provided to women victims of violence and to children affected by domestic violence.

Health Service Accommodation.

Jack Wall

Question:

464 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of placements available for women in crisis accommodation that are within the control of the Health Service Executive; the areas of such accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14925/07]

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

Questions Nos. 465 and 466 answered with Question No. 284.

Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.

John Deasy

Question:

467 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of current nursing home residents who are entitled to repayments under the national repayments scheme; the number of applications for repayments received to date; the number of claims that have been processed; when she expects all claims to be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14933/07]

John Deasy

Question:

468 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Health and Children the procedure for repaying current nursing home residents who are entitled to repayments under the national repayments scheme; if the repayments will be repaid directly to the claimants; if the families of claimants will be kept informed of progress; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14934/07]

John Deasy

Question:

469 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of deceased nursing home residents who are entitled to repayments under the national repayments scheme; the number of applications for repayments received to date; when processing of these claims will begin; when she expects all claims to be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14935/07]

Michael Ring

Question:

476 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of claims for the repayment of nursing home charges received to date; the number of claims awaiting verification; the estimated numbers that have been verified and are awaiting payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15027/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 467 to 469, inclusive, and 476 together.

The HSE have advised me that since the commencement of the health repayment scheme eight months ago and the launch of a nationwide information campaign, almost 2,200 repayments offers have been made, totalling almost €46 million, and further offers continue to be issued every week.

To date, nearly 130,000 claim forms have been distributed through Post Offices and other locations, there have been almost 28,000 visits to the website www.repay.ie and the information line has dealt with over 42,000 queries.

The scheme is the largest of its kind ever to occur in Ireland and is progressing as speedily as possible. The HSE have advised me that it is not possible to state at what point all applications will be fully processed and all due repayments awarded to applicants given that the scheme extends to an estimated 70,000 persons (living and deceased) and the last date for receipt of claim forms is currently 31st December 2007.

To date, over 26,000 applications for repayment have been received and priority has been given to repaying living applicants. There have been over 16,000 claims in respect of deceased persons and over 10,000 in respect of living persons. The bulk of repayments to the estates of the deceased persons are expected to commence shortly.

Over 12,000 estates who have lodged claims to date do not have a grant of representation, as required by law, and must establish entitlement to claim before the application can progress. This is to ensure that the person who is entitled to claim on behalf of an estate is the one who receives the repayment.

The HSE have indicated that of these 12,000 estates that have lodged claims, direct personal contact has been made with over 9,000 of these claimants who have applied for certificate of entitlements.

The scheme includes necessary safeguards to ensure that people are paid the full amount they are owed and that the correct people are paid. In tandem with receiving and processing forms, it has been necessary for the scheme administrator to visit all relevant HSE facilities — over 340 in total — to review and retrieve their records of payment and, in some cases, this could be as far back as 1976. The records in which this information is held vary widely between institutions and usually includes a mixture of paper files, handwritten files and computer files. To date, the records of over 95% of institutions have been scanned.

Under Data Protection Legislation third parties cannot be given personal information pertaining to individual claims. The claimant themselves can only make enquiries concerning their own applications. This information can be obtained by ringing the helpline number 1890 886 886. Each applicant that submits an application form is sent an acknowledgement letter within days. Offer letters are sent out when the claim form is matched with the information from the correct institution.

The HSE have advised that once the claimant accepts the repayment offer and the statutory waiting period of 28 days has elapsed, they will make the repayment in the manner chosen by the claimant. Options include direct payment to a bank, building society, credit union or post office account, payment by cheque or lodgement to a patient's private property account.

Hospital Staff.

John Deasy

Question:

470 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Health and Children the additional funding she is providing to the Health Service Executive to employ additional phlebotomists at Waterford Regional Hospital; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the level of resourcing results in lengthy queues for blood tests and that this can be distressing for patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14942/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Pat Breen

Question:

471 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated with orthodontic treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14945/07]

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 Insurance.

Tom McEllistrim

Question:

472 Mr. McEllistrim asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kerry who has lived here for the past 10 years has been refused the approval of financial cover for their cancer treatment here due to the fact that they started the treatment in the UK and because of technical difficulties in managing their health care here the doctor has confirmed that their cancer is now progressing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14959/07]

At present private health insurers are entitled to apply an initial waiting period of 26 weeks in respect of persons aged under 55, 52 weeks in respect of those aged between 55 and 64, and 104 weeks for persons aged 65 and over before private health insurance cover becomes effective. In addition, insurers are entitled to apply longer waiting periods in relation to pre-existing conditions. Allowing insurers discretion to apply these waiting periods is a necessary protection in a community rated open enrolment environment.

Without knowing the full circumstances of this case I would also advise the Deputy of the individual's statutory entitlement to public hospital and public consultant services in Ireland which are primarily based on residency and means. Therefore, any person, regardless of nationality, who is accepted by the Health Services Executive as being ordinarily resident in Ireland is entitled to health services as a public patient.

Health Service Staff.

David Stanton

Question:

473 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children if the number of social workers dealing with adoption and fostering has been reduced from six to three; the reason for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14960/07]

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 (HSE) 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.

Alcohol Policy.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

474 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Health and Children the background to her suggestion that the alcohol industry represent Ireland at a World Health Organisation review on alcohol policy, as revealed in the answer to the Freedom of Information request made by an organisation (details supplied); the rationale behind this decision; if discussions took place with the drinks industry in this regard; the outcome of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14976/07]

I met with the Drinks Industry representatives on 23 November 2006 to discuss a range of issues of concern in relation to alcohol. The Drinks Industry presented its views to me on the position adopted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) regarding its non-engagement with the drinks industry. I did not suggest and the Drinks Industry representatives did not suggest that the Industry would represent Ireland at the WHO. The Irish Government's position in relation to health matters is represented at the WHO by Government Officials or Ministers as appropriate.

My Department will provide a copy of the report of my meeting with the Drinks Industry on 23 November separately to the Deputy. The report of that meeting clearly shows what was discussed and how the report of the discussion at the meeting was wrongly interpreted by the organisation referred to by the Deputy in its Press Release.

Tuberculosis Incidence.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

475 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the comments by a leading respiratory consultant at the Mercy University Hospital Cork that the north-side of Cork City has one of the highest levels of tuberculosis here and that the incidence of TB in this area is as high as 22 per 100,000 when the national average is seven per 100,000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14977/07]

The most recent figures available for the incidence of TB in Ireland can be found in the Health Protection Surveillance Centre report Epidemiology of TB in Ireland 2004. The national rate of TB is 11 per 100,000 population. The Health Service Executive South has a rate of 16 per 100,000 population and rates fluctuate in each area on an annual basis due to small numbers.

Specifically looking at TB rates in HSE South since 1992, there has been a remarkable decline.

Year

1992

21.4 per 100,000 population

1993

23.9 per 100,000 population

1996

22.5 per 100,000 population

2000

13.8 per 100,000 population

2001

12.4 per 100,000 population

2002

13.3 per 100,000 population

2003

16.0 per 100, 000 population

2004

12.6 per 100,000 population

These figures show that rates are falling and that the enhanced surveillance and follow up of cases and contacts is having a positive effect on reducing rates of TB in this country.

I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy on rates of TB in the north-side of Cork city.

Question No. 476 answered with QuestionNo. 467.

Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.

Michael Ring

Question:

477 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their refund payment under the health repayments scheme; when the claim was received; if it has been verified; and when payment will issue. [15028/07]

The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive.

My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.

Disabled Drivers.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

478 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the way it has been decided that a person (details supplied) in County Kildare does not qualify for a primary medical certificate under Disabled Drivers Disabled Passengers Tax Concessions Regulations 1994; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15049/07]

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

Departmental Funding.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

479 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has received correspondence from groups, bodies or individuals supporting an organisation (details supplied) in County Kildare; if extra funding can or will be offered to them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15060/07]

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

Home Help Service.

Pat Breen

Question:

480 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated with an extra hour home help; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15064/07]

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.

John Perry

Question:

481 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will intervene with the Health Service Executive western area on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo and have the home help sanctioned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15065/07]

As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for Primary Care services, including home help, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Medical Cards.

John Perry

Question:

482 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will intervene with the Health Service Executive on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo and have their medical card granted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15066/07]

Medical cards are made available to persons and their dependants who would otherwise experience undue hardship in meeting the cost of General Practitioner (GP) services. In 2005 the GP visit card was introduced as a graduated benefit so that people on moderate and lower incomes, particularly parents of young children, who do not qualify for a medical card would not be deterred on cost grounds from visiting their GP.

Since the beginning of 2005 substantial changes have been made to the way in which people's eligibility for a medical card is assessed and these apply equally to the assessment process for a GP visit card. The income guidelines have been increased by a cumulative 29% and in addition allowance is now made for reasonable expenses incurred in respect of mortgage/rent, childcare and travel to work costs. In June 2006 I agreed a further adjustment to the income guidelines for GP visit cards. These are now 50% higher than those in respect of medical cards.

As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for these benefits, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Question No. 483 answered with QuestionNo. 297.

Nursing Education.

John Perry

Question:

484 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children the situation with regard to commencing undergraduate psychiatric nurse training at a college (details supplied) in County Sligo; if she has approved this course; if she will be providing sufficient funds for this course; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15078/07]

John Perry

Question:

502 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children the directive she has issued in relation to the proposal to commence undergraduate psychiatric nurse training in a college (details supplied) in County Sligo as this would have available the required trained nursing resource in Sligo/Leitrim Mental Health Service to meet the future work planning need and the mental health needs of the population; her views on whether the process of integrating the Sligo/Leitrim Mental Health Service in to a third level learning environment will develop and empower the mental health service providers and lead to a more autonomous and collaborative work place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15252/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 484 and 502 together.

The undergraduate nursing degree programmes in general, intellectual disability and psychiatric nursing commenced in September, 2002. This was one of the central recommendations of the Commission on Nursing. To coincide with the introduction of degree level education, the number of student nursing places at this time increased to 1,640 places per annum across 13 higher education institutions.

There are currently 25 undergraduate nursing places available per annum in psychiatric nursing at Letterkenny Institute of Technology. This degree programme is in partnership with Donegal and Sligo/Leitrim mental health services and is designed to meet the mental health needs of the population and future workforce planning in the region.

There are no plans to increase the number of undergraduate psychiatric nursing places nationally to provide such a programme in the college referred to by the Deputy. I have issued no directive to the HSE in the matter, nor do I intend to.

I might mention that the college concerned is already involved in the delivery of the undergraduate nursing degree programme in both general and intellectual disability nursing.

Hospital Staff.

Bernard Allen

Question:

485 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the guidelines that exist governing hospital health workers who contract MRSA or VRE whilst carrying out their duties; and if, in the case of students, either medical or nursing, during their training her Department will pay for the time out or change of course if they cannot continue with their training. [15089/07]

MRSA and VRE do not generally cause illness in healthy people so health care staff do not fall into a risk category for contracting MRSA and VRE. However, they may be carriers. With regard to carriage of MRSA it is often transient and is not believed to contribute significantly to the spread of MRSA. Therefore, the screening of staff on a routine basis is generally not indicated. Staff screening may be considered for institutions without endemic MRSA or for specific high-risk units as determined by the local infection control team.

The issue of medical or nursing students being unable to continue with their training as a result of contracting MRSA or VRE should not arise for the reasons outlined above.

There is no record to date of any employee or student contracting MRSA or an associated illness while employed by the Health Service Executive. In the event of this happening, the staff member would be referred to the Occupational Health Department for appropriate treatment.

Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

486 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Health and Children when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15092/07]

The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive.

My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.

Health Service Staff.

John Perry

Question:

487 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress which has been made regarding the 32 staff working at Ballymote Community Nursing Home, County Sligo, who had been employed by Breffini Regional Council, which no longer exists; when will they be employed by the Health Service Executive; the reason they have not received pay parity, including retrospective pay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15095/07]

Over 120,000 people work full-time or part-time in our public health services. In recent years, the Government's ongoing high level of investment in health has achieved and maintained significant increases in the number of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals employed in the public health services. The Government has also invested heavily in the education and training of such personnel in order to secure a good supply of graduates to provide for the healthcare needs of the population into the future.

Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of the Actual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.

Medical Cards.

John McGuinness

Question:

488 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if an application for a medical card will be approved in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will expedite a decision in the case. [15119/07]

Medical cards are made available to persons and their dependants who would otherwise experience undue hardship in meeting the cost of General Practitioner (GP) services. In 2005 the GP visit card was introduced as a graduated benefit so that people on moderate and lower incomes, particularly parents of young children, who do not qualify for a medical card would not be deterred on cost grounds from visiting their GP.

Since the beginning of 2005 substantial changes have been made to the way in which people's eligibility for a medical card is assessed and these apply equally to the assessment process for a GP visit card. The income guidelines have been increased by a cumulative 29% and in addition allowance is now made for reasonable expenses incurred in respect of mortgage/rent, childcare and travel to work costs. In June 2006 I agreed a further adjustment to the income guidelines for GP visit cards. These are now 50% higher than those in respect of medical cards.

As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for these benefits, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Question No. 489 answered with QuestionNo. 297.

Health Services.

John Perry

Question:

490 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will intervene on this person's behalf (details supplied) in County Sligo and have them called for an MRI scan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15148/07]

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 Allowances.

Paul McGrath

Question:

491 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason there is such a long delay in processing an application by a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath for domiciliary care allowance; and when the person can expect to have this payment made. [15171/07]

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.

Paul McGrath

Question:

492 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason there is such a long delay in processing an application by a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath for domiciliary care allowance; and when the person can expect to have this payment made. [15172/07]

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.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

493 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway is not receiving occupational or speech therapy; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the person suffers from autism and is in need of these services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15177/07]

As the Deputy may be aware, a sum of €75m for revenue purposes was provided to the Health Service Executive for Disability Services in the 2007 Budget. This sum incorporates the 2007 element of the Government's multi-annual investment programme for the National Disability Strategy. This Strategy is committed to enhancing the level and range of multi-disciplinary support services to adults and children with an intellectual, physical and sensory disability and those with autism.

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

HSE Report.

Tony Gregory

Question:

494 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will request a report from the Health Service Executive on the issue raised in correspondence (details supplied). [15209/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

495 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children when a response will issue in relation to Parliamentary Question No. 256 of 5 April 2007. [15216/07]

The HSE has responsibility for the day to day funding in the health sector, including the management of the tendering process for phase 3C of Naas General Hospital, referred to in the Deputy's question. My Department has been in contact with the HSE in relation to its response. I am informed that the HSE wrote to the Deputy on Monday 23 April 2007 giving details of the number of contractors who expressed interest and indicating when tenders will be invited.

Health Services.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

496 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children when a response will issue in relation to Parliamentary Question No. 257 of 5 April 2007. [15226/07]

My Department has been informed by the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Health Service Executive that a reply will be issued to the Deputy shortly.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

497 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children when a response will issue in relation to Parliamentary Question No. 258 of 5 April 2007. [15232/07]

I am advised by the Health Service Executive that a reply to Question No. 258 of 5 April 2007 has issued to the Deputy.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

498 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 259 of 5 April 2007, if she will have the answer reissued to this Deputy by the Health Service Executive. [15235/07]

My Department has been informed by the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Health Service Executive that a reply has issued to the Deputy.

John McGuinness

Question:

499 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if orthodontic treatment will be provided in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will expedite a response. [15238/07]

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.

John McGuinness

Question:

500 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if the full orthodontic service will be provided in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will expedite the matter. [15239/07]

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.

John McGuinness

Question:

501 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if capital funding has or will be made available to establish a health centre in Callan, County Kilkenny; the status of the application within her Department or the Health Service Executive; when it is expected to be finalised; the plans to staff the centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15240/07]

The Government's sustained high level of investment in healthcare has enabled the completion and commissioning of numerous new facilities in both the acute and the non-acute sectors. This year, overall capital funding of €546 million has been provided to the Health Service Executive.

The HSE has responsibility for the planning and management of capital projects in the health sector, including the development referred to in the Deputy's question. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Question No. 502 answered with QuestionNo. 484.

Medical Cards.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

503 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the way the introduction of the new half-rate carer’s allowance will affect the entitlement to a medical card holder under 70 years; if this payment can be ring-fenced in the means assessment to ensure that it does not negatively impact on existing medical card entitlement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15253/07]

The assessment of eligibility to medical cards is statutorily a matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE) and, with the exception of persons aged over 70 who have an automatic entitlement to a medical card, is determined following an examination of the means of the applicant and his/her dependants. Under Section 45 of the Health Act, 1970 medical cards are provided for persons who, in the opinion of the HSE, are unable without undue hardship to arrange general practitioner medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants.

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. There are also a number of income sources, including the Carer's Allowance, which are disregarded in assessing an applicant's income. Furthermore, people whose sole source of income is from social welfare or HSE allowances and benefits are allowed a medical card.

The existing assessment arrangements will not be affected by provisions announced in Budget 2007 whereby people in receipt of a social welfare payment, who are also providing full time care and attention, will be able to retain their main welfare payment and receive another payment, the maximum of which, depending on their means, will be equivalent to a half rate Carer's Allowance.

Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.

Pat Breen

Question:

504 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a refund will issue to persons (details supplied) in County Clare in respect of nursing home charges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15254/07]

The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive.

My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.

Hospital Services.

John Perry

Question:

505 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the psychiatric unit in Sligo General Hospital is being delayed; if co-location will be an obstacle in the development of this unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15255/07]

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, therefore, is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Questions Nos. 506 and 507 answered with Question No. 280.

Denis Naughten

Question:

508 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will be called for a cataract operation; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that it is an urgent case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15258/07]

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.

John Deasy

Question:

509 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in providing urgent corrective spinal surgery in Crumlin Children’s Hospital to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15259/07]

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.

Hospital Staff.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

510 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the action she will take to increase as a matter of extreme urgency the number of midwives employed at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital to give a ratio of births to midwives of significantly less than 58:1; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15260/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE) and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The Executive has advised my Department that it has approved 22 new midwife posts and 2 specialist nurse posts at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. The HSE will continue to monitor staffing levels within the maternity services unit at the Hospital relative to demand.

My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to furnish the Deputy with any additional information relevant to the matter.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

511 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the final list of public hospital sites on which land will be allocated to developers of private for-profit hospitals under the co-location scheme; the time-scale for the completion of each of these private hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15261/07]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

512 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of private beds which will be transferred from public hospitals to the new private hospitals at each site under the co-location scheme; the manner in which this number was determined in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15262/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 511 and 512 together.

On foot of a Government decision, I issued a policy direction to the Health Service Executive (HSE) in July 2005 on the co-location of private hospitals on the sites of public hospitals in order to free up 1,000 beds for public patients.

My Department has been informed by the HSE that Invitation to Tender (ITT) documents were issued to the short-listed bidders on Thursday 19th April 2007 in relation to the following public hospital sites:

1 Waterford Regional Hospital

2 Cork University Hospital

3 Limerick Regional Hospital

4 Sligo General Hospital

5 Beaumont Hospital

6 St. James's Hospital

It is expected that the Invitations To Tender for Connolly Hospital (Blanchardstown) and the Adelaide and Meath Hospital incorporating the National Children's Hospital (Tallaght) will issue at a later date.

Tenders are due to be submitted to the HSE by 17th May 2007. The HSE will evaluate the tenders and select the successful bidders during the following 2 weeks. Following that a "stand still" period of 2 weeks is required by procurement law before agreements can be signed with successful bidders. Pending completion of the tendering process, it is not possible to provide definitive time-scales for the completion of the new hospitals or of the number of private beds to be provided in each hospital.

Hospital Services.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

513 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of her recent meetings including dates of same with Health Service Executive executives regarding acute hospital services in County Louth; if she will immediately and significantly increase funding for Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda and Louth County Hospital Dundalk; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15285/07]

I met with officials from the Health Service Executive (HSE) on 27 March 2007 to discuss inter alia, issues relating to the provision of acute hospital services in County Louth. I was also pleased to visit the Louth County Hospital recently and to open the new CT Scanner.

Over the past five years the level of revenue funding allocated to both Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital and Louth County Hospital has increased significantly. The current revenue funding for Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital has increased from €53.7m to €90.3m (an increase of 68%), and in the case of Louth County Hospital from €18m to €28m (an increase of 55%). Over the same period of time staffing numbers across the two hospitals have increased by 225.

In the case of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital a new three storey development, approved by the HSE, is scheduled to be fully completed by April 2009. This development will allow for a 25 bed A&E assessment area and a further two floors will be utilised to provide some additional facilities and space for critical care, general medicine and general surgical departments. The 25-bay A&E facility is scheduled by the HSE to be fully operational by April next year.

Extensive electrical work has been carried out at Louth County Hospital to facilitate the installation of the new CT scanner. Two new modular theatres are also due to open shortly.

Finally, it should be emphasised that the HSE has given me an assurance that, in progressing the re-organisation of services in the North East, there will be no discontinuation of existing services until suitable alternative arrangements have been put in place.

Tuberculosis Incidence.

Dan Boyle

Question:

514 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department will be making additional resources available to deal with public concern that has arisen from the incidence of tuberculosis recently found at crèches in the Cork City area. [15289/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE) and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote.

It is a matter for the HSE to allocate funding in accordance with its priorities in respect of immunisation and prevention of infectious diseases.

Diabetes Services.

Dan Boyle

Question:

515 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Health and Children the timeframe the expert advisory group on diabetes is to deliver recommendations for a national strategy. [15290/07]

Dan Boyle

Question:

516 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Health and Children if the expert advisory group on diabetes is examining treatment options and services around the country in order to deliver the national strategy which it will recommend. [15291/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 515 and 516 together.

The EAG (Expert Advisory Group) on Diabetes which was established by the HSE is currently drawing up standards of care for diabetes. This process will take account of the Department of Health and Children's document ‘Diabetes: Prevention and Model for Patient Care'. The EAG have identified the areas of diabetes care that need priority attention such as retinopathy screening, pediatric diabetes, patient education and empowerment, and podiatry. The EAG have subgroups working in each area and it is expected to have recommendations for the May meeting. The priority areas will inform the development of a national strategy.

The EAG is hoping to set up regional Diabetes Service Advisory Groups to assist with the local implementation of the expert advisory groups recommendations. These local groups would have representatives from all those involved, including patients and parents of children with diabetes.

Child Care Services.

Dan Boyle

Question:

517 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of community childcare places that have been created under the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006 to 2010 to date. [15292/07]

Dan Boyle

Question:

518 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of private childcare places that have been created under the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006 to 2010 to date. [15293/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 517 and 518 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP) and the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP), which are being implemented by the Office of the Minister for Children.

The NCIP came into effect from 1 January 2006, with an allocation of €575 million for the 5 year period of 2006 to 2010. The NCIP is a key element of the National Childcare Strategy 2006-2010, the aim of which is to deliver a more comprehensive approach to early years care and education. Unlike the EOCP, the NCIP is completely Exchequer funded. The NCIP is designed to deliver 50,000 additional childcare places, with a greater focus on pre-school places for 3 to 4 year olds and school age childcare. Childcare places are provided either through community based/not for profit childcare groups or by private providers.

The number of childcare places supported under the NCIP amounts to 1,567, of which 1,206 are new places in private childcare facilities. A longer lead-in period is generally required in the creation of new childcare places in communitiy-based facilities, partly due to large level of capital grant funding available to this sector. However, to date expenditure amounting to over €36 million has been approved under the programme in respect of 81 community-based facilities which is expected to result in the creation of 690 new full-time places and 1,577 new part-time places.

During 2007, funding also continues to be drawn down under the EOCP. To date, 34,359 new places have been created and an additional 25,443 places are being supported. Out of the 34,359 new places, 18,200 are in community-based facilities and 16,159 are in private sector facilities.

Hospital Services.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

519 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children if better access to neurological, neurosurgery and rehabilitation services can be provided in respect of people with acquired brain injury nationally (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15360/07]

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.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

520 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children if better access to neurological, neurosurgery and rehabilitation services can be provided in respect of people with acquired brain injury in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15361/07]

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

Question No. 521 answered with QuestionNo. 297.

Commissions of Investigation.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

522 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will set up an independent enquiry into the care of patients (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15363/07]

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

523 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will set up an independent enquiry into the care of patients at a nursing home (details supplied) in County Dublin. [15364/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 522 and 523 together.

The Government has today decided to establish a Commission of Investigation into the management, operation and supervision of Leas Cross Nursing Home with the following terms of reference:

"1. To examine the role and responses of such relevant parties as the Commission may determine, including the Health Service Executive (and previously the relevant health boards) in relation to

(a) the establishment, ownership, operation, management, staffing and/or supervision of Leas Cross Nursing Home (hereinafter "the nursing home");

(b) complaints made by or in respect of residents or former residents of the nursing home; and

(c) the transfer of residents from medical and residential care facilities to the nursing home.

2. To provide to the Minister for Health and Children an interim report on the matters examined by the Commission within 6 months and a final report within 12 months of commencement of the work of the Commission."

The Inquiry will be carried out by Mr. Derry O'Donovan, Senior Counsel.

Nursing Home Inspections.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

524 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will carry out an inquiry into a nursing home (details supplied) in County Cavan where the incidence of dependent persons falling is very high, where 45 falls were recorded in 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15365/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. The Executive has advised that the HSE Inspectorate had identified this concern and made recommendations in terms of corrective action within a specific timeframe. The Inspectorate have carried out a further inspection and have stated that the breach has been satisfactorily addressed.

Hospital Services.

Willie Penrose

Question:

525 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will take steps to have a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath admitted for a hip operation, which is urgently required; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15374/07]

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.

Decentralisation Programme.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

526 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to decentralisation within the Health Service Executive; if a national transfer list has been established; the number waiting to decentralise to the midlands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15379/07]

Over 120,000 people work full-time or part-time in our public health services. In recent years, the Government's ongoing high level of investment in health has achieved and maintained significant increases in the number of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals employed in the public health services. The Government has also invested heavily in the education and training of such personnel in order to secure a good supply of graduates to provide for the healthcare needs of the population into the future.

Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of the Actual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.

Housing Grants.

Willie Penrose

Question:

527 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if there are grants or other assistance available to householders who wish to install insulation and heat conversation mechanisms in their dwelling houses; if he will outline same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14335/07]

TheGreener Homes Scheme is providing support to homeowners to invest in a range of renewable energy heating technologies including solar technology, wood biomass boilers and stoves, and heat pumps. Funding of €47m has been provided for the scheme. There have been almost 14,000 applications received since the scheme was launched in March last year. Grant aid of €1,100 to €6,500 is being provided under the scheme, depending on the individual technology used. The grant for solar panels is €300 per m2. The scheme is being administered on behalf of my Department by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) and all applications are being processed through SEI. Details and application forms are available on the SEI website (www.sei.ie/ greenerhomes), and a dedicated low-call phone line is also open.

Funding is also provided, through SEI, under the Warmer Homes Scheme which provides insulation and other energy efficiency measures to low income homes across Ireland. Eligible householders are typically in receipt of the Fuel Allowance, Invalidity or Disability Benefit. The service is delivered principally through community based organisations that typically secure the labour through a FÁS or Rural Social Scheme. SEI provides funding towards materials and overheads for the operation of the service, which is provided at little or no cost to the homeowner.

The Warmer Homes Scheme (WHS) provides the following services to eligible households

Draught proofing

Attic insulation

Lagging jacket

Low energy light bulbs

Cavity wall insulation, where appropriate.

Since the start of the scheme in 2000 almost 13,000 low income households have benefited.

Currently there are 18 such service providers approved for funding in the in the scheme with two each in counties Dublin, Donegal, Roscommon, Cork and Mayo, and one each in counties Cavan, Kerry, Leitrim, Galway, Westmeath, Limerick, Clare and Wexford.

The Warmer Homes Scheme is adding further capacity through two different initiatives. The first is a pilot which took place in Dundalk and has addressed 161 homes to date with private contractors with substantial insulation measures. The final phase is currently under way at the moment. Dundalk was an area that was not covered by a community based organisation and the insulation services were provided by two contractors appointed following a tender process.

The second initiative resulted from a Budget allocation of €2m, by my colleague the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, which allowed the expansion of the service through delivery by the private sector of a whole house approach, to addressing fuel poverty. The range of services included under this new initiative includes the installation of high efficiency central heating as well as substantial insulation measures. This initiative is currently under way in Waterford City and County in approximately 400 eligible homes.

SEI's House of Tomorrow Programme provides funding to developers of groups of housing, where the housing units have energy efficient features that significantly exceed current building regulations. 1,187 new social housing dwellings, 3,198 new private dwellings and 365 social housing refurbishments have been completed to date under this programme. The range of renewable technologies installed include:

Condensing oil and gas boilers (2922)

Solar water heating (1634 homes)

Heat recovery ventilation (2,065 homes)

Ground source heat pumps (731 homes)

Wood pellet boilers (724 homes).

Coastal Erosion.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

528 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he will announce funding for coastal erosion projects in County Louth; the amount of such funding; and when it will be available to local authorities. [14403/07]

In 2006, the Department contributed a total of €126,769.50 to Louth County Council for two separate coast protection projects. One involved the undertaking of a study at Port Beach to determine coast erosion and the second involved phase 3 of rock revetment works at Annagassan.

All local authorities were asked to submit funding proposals under the Department's 2007 National Coast Protection Programme by 31 st January 2007. The Department did not receive any funding proposals from Louth County Council for 2007.

I hope to be in a position to announce the 2007 National Coast Protection Programme shortly.

Harbours and Piers.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

529 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if works are to be carried out to a slipway (details supplied) in County Wexford or other development works to the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14572/07]

The Department has received an application for funding from Wexford County Council in respect of St. Kieran's Pier, Bannow Bay, Co. Wexford, which I understand is one and the same location as the address referred to above as Saltmills, New Ross, Co. Wexford.

The application for funding is in respect of a consultant's report, which would look at the removal of the existing pier and the construction of a new pier at a suitable location.

The application for funding is being considered under the 2007 Harbours & Coastal Development Programme. I hope to be in a position to announce this Programme shortly.

The Department is also actively examining, in conjunction with the Chief State's Solicitor's Office, possible breaches of the legislation governing the protection of the Foreshore in respect of previous development at this location. Accordingly it would not be appropriate to comment further on this matter.

Salmon Hardship Scheme.

John Deasy

Question:

530 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the amount of funding he will provide to increase the hardship fund proposed for salmon fishermen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14938/07]

John Deasy

Question:

554 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has requested other Government Departments to provide additional funding for the proposed hardship fund for salmon fishermen; the amount of such funding that will be provided by other Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14928/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 530 and 554 together.

The Salmon Hardship Scheme of some €25 million, details of which I published recently, is intended to provide a measure of relief to individuals in line with the level of hardship likely to be experienced based on their recent catch history. The overall sum takes account of the levels of payment recommended by the Independent Group and the recorded catch history of the eligible licences.

An additional €5 million is being provided under a Community Support Scheme. Officials in the Department and the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs are examining how to maximise the impact of this scheme prior to finalisation and publication in the coming weeks.

I believe the overall fund of some €30 million to be a fair and reasonable allocation, which does not need to be modified.

Telecommunications Services.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

531 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the plans his Department has to roll out the provision of broadband to the Kilgarvan area of County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14107/07]

The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband by private sector companies, is a matter, in the first instance, for the companies themselves operating in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, (ComReg).

The role of the Government is to implement regulatory and infrastructure policies to facilitate the provision of high quality telecommunications services, by competing private sector service providers. The Government has recognised, however, that in some areas of the country the market has failed to invest in broadband roll out. To that end the Government has intervened with various initiatives to facilitate broadband in these areas including investment in metropolitan area networks (MANs) and the recently concluded group broadband schemes. In addition to these interventions, I recently announced a National Broadband Scheme. This scheme will target the last 10% or so of the population who are without a broadband service and who would remain without a service without intervention. The Scheme will, when it is rolled out, ensure that all reasonable requests for broadband are met. The Department will commence the tender process in the coming weeks.

Fisheries Protection.

John Perry

Question:

532 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if, with regard to the American Slipper Limpet, which is a damaging species that is well established in Swansea Bay, he has investigated the extent to which this Welsh seed will be able to find its way over to Irish waters in view of the fact that an Irish company has secured an order to fish for mussel seed in Swansea Bay; the measures in place to keep out such invasive species; the measures in place when an Irish vessel secures an order to fish in an area already infected with such a disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14186/07]

The slipper limpet, Crepidula fornicata, is naturally distributed from the eastern seaboard of North America, from Canada to the south-eastern US. It is thought that the current population found in Great Britain was introduced in the nineteenth century with oysters from North America and is now distributed along the south, south-west and south-east coasts of England and Wales. While some introductions were thought to occur in Ireland in the past, it would appear that no populations have persisted. The slipper limpet is not native to Ireland and given that, all reasonable efforts have and are being made to prevent its introduction.

The first requests from Irish mussel operators to move mussel seed from UK waters for on-growing on aquaculture sites in Irish waters were received by the Department in the Autumn of 2006. As the Deputy will be aware all such movements of shellfish have to be, in the first instance, approved from a fish health perspective by the Marine Institute and must also be accompanied by a movement permit issued by the Department.

On receiving these first requests the Department was fully apprised by the Marine Institute of the presence of the slipper limpet in UK waters and of the threat these movements potentially posed. Following consultations with the Marine Institute and in conjunction with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of the Environment, a specific set of procedures was drafted and issued to operators. The guiding legislation being the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations, S.I. 94 of 1997.

Notwithstanding the introduction of these procedures, I remain concerned that there are potential shortfalls in the legislative framework at EU and National level and in the implementation of the framework. Ì have asked my officials to undertake an assessment of arrangements with the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and relevant State Bodies. The legal framework for effective measures will be strengthened following the adoption of the EU Council Regulation on the use of alien and locally absent species in aquaculture, which is due to be adopted shortly.

Ministerial Staff.

Phil Hogan

Question:

533 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the names, titles, duties and dates of appointment of each of the special advisers, political advisers, personal assistants and press officers appointed by him; the salary level of each appointee including payments in lieu of pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14200/07]

Details of Ministerial staff, not being civil servants, but contracted as special advisers, political advisers, personal assistants and press officers appointed by me, including salary levels and payments in lieu of pension are as follows:

Name

Title

Duties

Date of appointment

Salary Level

Payments in lieu of pension

Mr. James Fegan

Special Adviser to the Minister

Any duties which may be assigned to him from time to time as appropriate to this position.

30 September 2004

Principal Officer salary scale (Modified PRSI) €86,530 (min.) to €106,722 (2nd Long Service Increment)

Nil

Ms Olive Stephens

Press Adviser.

Providing advice to me and the Department relating to the provision of information to the public on the activities of the Department, and any other duties which may be assigned to her from time to time as appropriate to this position.

09 October 2006

Principal Officer salary scale (Modified PRSI) €86,530 (min.) to €106,722 (2nd Long Service Increment)

Nil

Ms Tanya Harrington

Policy Co-ordinator (Energy, Communications and Broadcasting)

Providing advice to me on ongoing formulation of appropriate policy responses in the areas of Energy, Communications and Broadcasting. Monitoring facilitating and securing the achievement of Government objectives in the aforementioned areas, and any other duties, which may be assigned to her from time to time as appropriate to this position.

04 April 2005

Principal Officer salary scale (Modified PRSI) €86,530 (min.) to €106,722 (2nd Long Service Increment)

An additional figure equivalent to 11% of salary

Ms Margaret Conway

Personal Assistant to the Minister

Any duties which may be assigned to her from time to time as appropriate to this position

30 September 2004

Higher Executive Officer salary scale (Modified PRSI) €43,445 (min) to €55,147 (2nd Long Service Increment)

Nil

Ms Una Grehan

Personal Secretary to the Minister

Any duties which may be assigned to her from time to time as appropriate to this position

30 September 2004

Secretarial Assistant in the Houses of the Oireachtas (Modified PRSI) salary scale. €21,632 (min.) to €37,621 (2nd Long Service Increment)

Nil

Coastal Protection.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

534 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position regarding the application of Dungarvan Town Council for funding to carry out urgently needed coastal protection works at Landsend; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14241/07]

Responsibility for coastal protection at Landsend, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford rests with the Local Authority, which in this instance, is Dungarvan Town Council.

The Department is currently considering the 2007 National Coastal Protection Programme. I have recently received an application for funding from Dungarvan Town Council for earthworks, construction of a gabion wall, concrete wall construction and finishing works at Landsend, Co. Waterford. The total project is estimated to cost €769,561.

Funding for projects under the 2007 National Coastal Protection Programme will be allocated taking into account the amount of Exchequer funding available and overall national priorities going forward. I hope to be in a position to announce the 2007 National Coastal Protection Programme shortly.

Salmon Hardship Scheme.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

535 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his proposals to withdraw the present scheme in regard to the banning of drift net salmon fishing and substituting a voluntary buy out scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14270/07]

I have no proposals to withdraw the Salmon Hardship Scheme as published some time ago.

As the Deputy is aware, the primary motivation in aligning the future management of the wild salmon fishery with the scientific advice and the introduction of regulations to cease mixed stock fishing is the conservation of the wild salmon species. It is vital to afford every protection to the remaining salmon stocks and to clearly prioritise conservation over catch. We must fulfil our obligations under the Habitats Directive, as implemented in Ireland, as to the objectives to be achieved by the conservation and management regime, namely to maintain or restore fish stocks to favourable conservation status.

Scientists in the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, the European Commission and the Standing Scientific Committee of the National Salmon Commission call for the complete cessation of all indiscriminate mixed stock fishing for salmon and the cessation of harvesting of stocks that are below their conservation level.

As part of their remit, the Independent Group set up to examine the implications for the commercial sector made recommendations to address any financial hardship that may be experienced by the sector. The approach to determining the hardship payments, which they recommended and was adopted by Government, is robust and convincing and does not need to be modified.

Payments under the hardship scheme are available to all those who held a commercial salmon fishing licence in 2006.

We must end the mixed stock fishery immediately. While I note the observations of those seeking a voluntary cessation of the fishery, we simply could not rely on sufficient fishermen volunteering to do this where it is necessary.

Broadcasting Legislation.

Willie Penrose

Question:

536 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the concerns expressed by persons in RTÉ relating to the proposal to dissolve the RTÉ Authority and the transfer of its broadcasting and corporate functions to a new RTÉ company limited by guarantee under the Companies Acts, and the impact of the draft proposals in relation to superannuation; the way this will impact upon the pensions of these persons; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that the RTÉ Pensioners Association, believe that he should retain responsibility for the administration of the RTÉ superannuation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14325/07]

As the Deputy will be aware, the draft general scheme of the Broadcasting Bill was submitted to the Joint Oireachtas Committee for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources for the purposes of public consultation under the eConsultation initiative in September 2006.

The draft general scheme proposes that the functions and operations of the RTÉ Authority and Teilifís na Gaeilge would be transferred to two new public service broadcasting entities, Radio Teilifís Éireann and Teilifís na Gaeilge, both of which would take the form of companies limited by guarantee under the Companies Acts.

The draft general scheme also proposes that the superannuation benefits and other pension arrangements of current and former employees of the RTÉ Authority and Teilifís na Gaeilge would continue on no less favourable conditions in the context of the transfer to the two new entities.

The Joint Committee reported its findings on the outcome of the consultation process to the Houses of the Oireachtas on 18 April 2007.

I propose to introduce the consequent Broadcasting Bill into the Houses of the Oireachtas during the course of 2007 having considered the Joint Committee's findings.

Fishing Vessel Licences.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

537 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the progress made to process an appeal under Section 7 of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 2003 by a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14326/07]

The function of the Licensing Authority for sea-fishing boats was transferred under the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 2003 to the Registrar General of Fishing Boats. The Act provides that the Licensing Authority is independent in the exercise of its functions under the Act, subject to the law for the time being in force and policy directives in relation to sea-fishing boat licensing.

The Registrar General of Fishing Boats has informed me that the Appeals Officer is a totally independent body and as such their decision, or the timing thereof, cannot be influenced by the Authority.

Television Licence Fee.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

538 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on making the television licence available for fixed terms such as three or six months for people who are only using property like holiday homes for summer months but have to pay the licence for a full year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14405/07]

In September, 2006 I published a draft general scheme of the Broadcasting Bill, which includes provision for the television licence fee system. The scheme was submitted to The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources who undertook public consultation into the text as part of the eConsultation initiative.

The Committee reported on the outcome of the consultation process on 18 April 2007. I am currently considering that report, which includes recommendations on a range of issues including the Television Licence Fee system.

It is proposed to introduce the Broadcasting Bill into the Houses of the Oireachtas during the course of 2007.

Salmon Hardship Scheme.

Michael Ring

Question:

539 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be compensated. [14441/07]

The Salmon Hardship Scheme, which was published earlier this year, is intended to provide a measure of relief to each individual fisherman in line with the level of hardship likely to be experienced based on the recent catch history of commercial fishing licence holders. Payments under the hardship scheme are available to all those who held a commercial salmon fishing licence in 2006.

The Government is also putting in place a fund of €5 million towards a community support scheme, the focus of which should primarily be those communities where commercial salmon fishing has been a well-established activity and where its withdrawal demonstrably impacts on the economic and social fabric of the area.

Details are being finalised at present with a view to the publication of details of that scheme in the coming weeks. There is no scheme for direct payments in cases of the type covered in the question.

Telecommunications Services.

John Perry

Question:

540 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to circumstances (details supplied); the directive he has issued to provide the broadband facilities in this region; if he will address the concerns raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14454/07]

The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband by private sector companies, is a matter, in the first instance, for the companies themselves operating in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, (ComReg). I have no function in relation to pricing for broadband services or with regard to the enabling of exchanges. These are matters for the service providers concerned.

The role of the Government is to implement regulatory and infrastructure policies to facilitate the provision of high quality telecommunications services, by competing private sector service providers. The Government has recognised, however, that in some areas of the country the market has failed to invest in broadband roll out. To that end the Government has intervened with various initiatives to facilitate broadband in these areas including investment in metropolitan area networks (MANs) and group broadband schemes. In addition to these interventions, I recently announced a National Broadband Scheme. This scheme will target the last 10% or so of the population who are without a broadband service and who would remain without a service without intervention. The Scheme will, when it is rolled out, ensure that all reasonable requests for broadband are met. The Department will commence the tender process in the coming weeks.

Coastal Zone Management.

Finian McGrath

Question:

541 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will replace the Foreshore Act 1933 with appropriate legislation and introduce a system of integrated coastal zone management; and his future plans on this matter. [14495/07]

The Department's Statement of Strategy 2005-2007 indicates that procedures will be developed for enhanced coordination and cooperation between public bodies on management of the coastal zone. This is in response to the increasing demands and pressures on coastal areas and their resources, and the fact that a wide range of public bodies and agencies have roles to play in managing and regulating various aspects and dimensions of the coastal zone.

The need for action in this area has been recognised at EU level also, with the adoption in 2002 of a Recommendation on Integrated Coastal Zone Management. This asks Member States to undertake a stocktaking of the laws, institutions, agencies/bodies etc that impact on coastal areas, and, based on the results of the stocktaking to develop a strategy or strategies for Integrated Coastal Zone Management. The stocktake for Ireland has been largely completed and will be published in due course. This stocktake will allow work to commence on the regulatory framework to support an integrated approach to coastal zone management.

A consolidation and streamlining of the Foreshore Acts is also proposed. This will modernise these regulatory processes and procedures and provide a modern and effective legal framework for the management of the State's foreshore estate in the future. It will also allow for the provision of any necessary legislative underpinning of more integrated approaches to management of coastal areas. Preparation of these proposals will take account, among other things, of the principles in the EU Recommendation, the outcome of the EU Maritime Green paper and the EU Marine Strategy Directive.

In addition, the Department will shortly commission a consultancy on the future development of coastal zone management in Ireland which will assist in a major strategic review of the legislative framework, structures, and procedures in place to manage the State-owned foreshore.

Coastal Protection.

John Perry

Question:

542 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has been notified of an application for works in relation to Sligo North West Airport, which would infringe on the foreshore at Dorrins and Cummeen Strand; and if he has been informed that such an application will be lodged shortly. [14500/07]

No application under the Foreshore Acts has been received by the Department for the proposed works in relation to Sligo North West Airport Co. Ltd. Both the company and the Planning Department of Sligo County Council have been advised of the Department's requirements in relation to such an application.

The Department has been consulted by the Planning Section of Sligo County Council in relation to the company's planning application and has requested the Council to place a condition on any permission granted requiring the applicant to obtain a foreshore lease/licence prior to commencement of works.

In any event, any activity in respect of this project affecting the public foreshore will require consent under the Foreshore Acts.

Fishing Industry Development.

Paudge Connolly

Question:

543 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans to ensure the full implementation of the Crawley report and sea change document; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14519/07]

Following the publication of the report of the Seafood Strategy Review Group, Steering a New Course, a strategy for a restructured, sustainable and profitable Irish Seafood Industry 2007-13, I established the Seafood Strategy Implementation Group (SSIG) to oversee that the strategy recommendations are implemented in a coordinated and cohesive manner. Chaired by Dr. Noel Cawley, and consisting of representatives from the various sectors of the industry, the Department and relevant State Agencies, the SSIG has been tasked with developing a detailed implementation plan, overseeing the delivery of the plan and monitoring and reporting to me on the progress of the implementation of the plan. A timescale of two years has been set for this work. The first meeting of the SSIG took place on 28 March, where the Group noted that many of the recommendations from Steering a New Course are being taken forward as part of the Seafood Development Programme of the NDP 2007-13, which foresees public investment of €334m across the industry.

While it is hoped that funding under the new Seafood Development Programme will be available in quarter 3 of this year, this is dependent on the necessary EU approvals. In the interim, considerable work is required by all stakeholders to ensure full spend is achieved under the EU funding allocation for 2000-2006.

"Sea Change" a Marine Knowledge, Research and Innovation Strategy for Ireland 2007-2013 was launched in February this year. The new strategy is part of the wider National Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation which was approved by the Taoiseach last year.

The Sea Change strategy aims to drive the development of the marine sector as a dynamic element of Ireland's knowledge economy. The Marine Institute will take the lead role in implementing the strategy. The success of the strategy depends on the collaboration of a wide range of agencies and industry partners.

A High Level Steering Group has been set up in the Department to oversee the implementation of Sea Change, which comprises senior management from relevant Government Departments and State agencies along with representatives of industry and third level interests and is due to hold its first meeting in the near future. In addition to the High Level Steering Group, 13 Implementation Teams across the various research programmes have been established to guide, develop and deliver on the Research Measures of the Strategy.

Reflecting the investment requirement of €365 million to achieve its objectives, funding for Sea Change will be secured through a number of mechanisms, including funds from the Marine Research Sub-Programme of the National Development Plan 2007-2013 and leveraged funds from the NDP budgets of other Departments and agencies, via the Programme for Research in 3rd Level Institutions (PRTLI) and the Strategic Innovation Fund. In addition, the Marine Institute will work to ensure Irish participation in international competitive marine research funding programmes such as the EU 7th Framework Programme.

Energy Resources.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

544 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when the grants announced in Budget 2007 for solar energy panels to be erected on community facilities, such as swimming pools, will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14595/07]

On 26 March I launched the expanded Renewable Heat (ReHeat) Deployment Programme to provide grants for the installation of renewable heat technologies in clubhouses, community centres and commercial premises throughout the country.

The scheme is open for applications through Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) and information is available on their website at www.sei.ie.

Telecommunications Services.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

545 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his Department’s attention has been drawn to the fact that Palatine village, three miles outside Carlow town does not have broadband available in the area; when he expects broadband to be available there; if tax relief is available to those who have to spend €1000 on the installation of an alternative broadband system and up to €1200 per year running same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14606/07]

The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband by private sector companies, is a matter, in the first instance, for the companies themselves operating in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, (ComReg).

The role of the Government is to implement regulatory and infrastructure policies to facilitate the provision of high quality telecommunications services, by competing private sector service providers. The Government has recognised, however, that in some areas of the country the market has failed to invest in broadband roll out. To that end the Government has intervened with various initiatives to facilitate broadband in these areas including investment in metropolitan area networks (MANs) and group broadband schemes. In addition to these interventions, I recently announced a National Broadband Scheme. This scheme will target the last 10% or so of the population who are without a broadband service and who would remain without a service without intervention. The Scheme will, when it is rolled out, ensure that all reasonable requests for broadband are met. The Department will commence the tender process in the coming weeks. The tender will be technology neutral, meaning all Service Providers regardless of the platform over which a service is provided, can compete under the tender process.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

546 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Ballow in County Carlow does not have broadband currently available to many of the residents; when he expects broadband to be available to all the residents in the area; and the reason for the delay in same. [14760/07]

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 Department approved a project under the Group Broadband Scheme for several towns in Co. Carlow including Ballon. The provision of the broadband service is an operational matter for the approved service provider, PermaNET.

My Department's website www.broadband.gov.ie gives full details of broadband availability in all areas, including ADSL, cable, fibre, satellite and fixed wireless. The website also lists prices of the various service levels on offer and contact details for each service provider.

Michael Noonan

Question:

547 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans to provide broadband to a village (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14762/07]

The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband by private sector companies, is a matter, in the first instance, for the companies themselves operating in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, (ComReg).

The role of the Government is to implement regulatory and infrastructure policies to facilitate the provision of high quality telecommunications services, by competing private sector service providers. The Government has recognised, however, that in some areas of the country the market has failed to invest in broadband roll out. To that end the Government has intervened with various initiatives to facilitate broadband in these areas including investment in metropolitan area networks (MANs) and group broadband schemes. In addition to these interventions, I recently announced a National Broadband Scheme. This scheme will target the last 10% or so of the population who are without a broadband service and who would remain without a service without intervention. The Scheme will, when it is rolled out, ensure that all reasonable requests for broadband are met. The Department will commence the tender process in the coming weeks.

Fishing Vessel Licences.

John Perry

Question:

548 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on a licensing scheme for full-time fishermen who are engaged in an activity (details supplied) on small boats fishing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14793/07]

I assume the Deputy is referring to fishing vessels licensed under the scheme for the licensing and registration of unlicensed and unregistered pot-fishing boats in the Irish inshore fleet, which was announced in 2003. Among the conditions of the scheme which was drawn up with the approval of the EU Commission, were that licences granted under this scheme will allow the licensees to fish only for non-quota species and solely by means of pots. The provision of replacement capacity was not a requirement, unlike the normal requirement for sea-fishing boat licensing, and the capacity of boats licensed and registered under the scheme will not be eligible as replacement capacity.

I do not consider that there is a case for reviewing the conditions of such licenses taking into account especially that there are already too many boats targeting the quota stocks available to Ireland and the strategic plan for the seafood sector for 2007-2013 — Steering A New Course recommends a major decommissioning programme for the whitefish fleet.

It is important also to note that it is open to any person to apply to the Sea Fishing Boat Licensing Authority at any time for a standard fishing-boat licence in accordance with standard fishing boat licensing policy, which includes the requirement for the provision for replacement capacity. Vessels granted such a licence are registered in the "polyvalent" or multi-purpose segment which entitles the licensed and registered owner, subject to certain conditions and restrictions, to fish for a wide range of species and with a range of fishing gear, including both quota and non quota stocks.

Fisheries Protection.

John Perry

Question:

549 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the measures with regard to the issue of poaching for species such as carp, bream and pike, he has put in place to ensure those fishing for these species are fully aware of the consequences of illegal fishing; the figures for prosecutions in relation to illegal fishing of these species year by year for the past ten years; if officers have been appointed to specifically tackle this issue; the laws in place to prevent this practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14794/07]

Under the Fisheries Acts, primary responsibility for the management, conservation, protection and development of inland fisheries stocks rests with the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards. A considerable proportion of fisheries boards' resources and the time of personnel is devoted to protection of fish stocks.

Recently I introduced, on the advice of the fisheries boards, the Conservation of and Prohibition on Sale of Coarse Fish By-Law No. 806, 2006 and the Conservation of Pike By Law No. 809, 2006, which control fishing for coarse fish referred to by the Deputy. These By-Laws provide for a number of conservation measures including that of limiting the number of fish that may be taken by anglers. Details of these instruments were advertised as stipulated in the statute and the fisheries boards have undertaken a number of initiatives to publicise their content within the regions.

It has not been possible in the time available to collate from the Boards the statistics sought in relation to prosecutions taken under these statutes. I have however asked the Chief Executive Officer of the Central Fisheries Board to gather any information available and to forward it directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Fishing Industry Development.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

550 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position regarding the €5 million community support scheme fund to aid the development of those communities where the impact of the cessation of drift netting will be hardest felt and to provide alternative employment and economic opportunities for those affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14798/07]

Officials of the Department are in discussion with the relevant officials in the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs about arrangements for the management of the community support scheme. Details are being finalised at present with a view to the publication of details of that scheme in the coming weeks.

Departmental Properties.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

551 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if recent media reports that EirGrid has agreed to take office space in Ballsbridge at record breaking rents of €650 per square metre are accurate; the reason such an expensive location was selected; the considerations that were given to alternative and less costly locations; the way this fits with the Government’s national spatial strategy and decentralisation programme; his views on such costs being added to consumers’ electricity bills at a time of widespread concern regarding electricity prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14819/07]

On July 1 2006, EirGrid plc took over the operation of Ireland's electricity transmission system from ESB National Grid (ESBNG). EirGrid currently occupies office space within ESB premises. In order to comply with EU requirements to liberalise the electricity market, it is necessary to effect the full separation of EirGrid from ESB. The move, by EirGrid, into its own office space is an important step in this process.

The issue of premises is a matter for the board and management of EirGrid and not one in which I have a function. The negotiation of rents is a matter for the company, although I note reports that city office rents are reportedly at their strongest for eight years. The position in law is that sole responsibility for the regulation of electricity tariffs, including standing charges, 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.

The CER regulates tariffs and charges for the connection to and use of the transmission system by market participants. This ensures that only efficient costs are passed on to end customers. Transmission tariffs are designed to recover the total costs associated with the transmission business. With regard to increased overheads such as office accommodation costs, the CER works with the transmission system operator to ensure that these costs are reasonable.

EirGrid's remit supports the National Spatial Strategy through investment in the development of the electricity transmission network throughout the regions as a key element of physical infrastructure.

Departmental Correspondence.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

552 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has received correspondence (details supplied); his plans to address this issue in early course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14827/07]

I have not received correspondence from the source to which the Deputy refers.

Fisheries Protection.

John Deasy

Question:

553 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the unfairness of the proposed hardship scheme for salmon fishermen in respect of those fisherman who were unable to catch many fish in the qualifying years due to restrictions under the quota system; his views on whether the hardship fund should have equal payments for each licence surrendered with account taken of the number of years each claimant has held a licence and with an additional premium based on the level of catches; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14927/07]

The status of salmon stocks in Ireland and elsewhere is well documented and it is evident that these have declined in the years since an historic high in the mid-seventies. Reflecting these trends, conservation measures have been introduced progressively over the past decade. However, the 2006 report of the Standing Scientific Committee confirms that despite recent reduced exploitation, many stocks are still falling well below their conservation limit. It is vital to afford every protection to the remaining salmon stocks and to clearly prioritise conservation over catch.

The Independent Group was set up to examine the implications for the commercial sector of aligning the management of the wild salmon fishery with scientific advice for 2007 and beyond. The scientific advice called for the complete cessation of all indiscriminate mixed stock fishing for salmon and the cessation of harvesting of stocks that are below their conservation limit.

As part of their remit, the group made recommendations to address any financial hardship that may be experienced by the sector. They recommended that this should be based on the recent catch history of the individual licence holder.

The level of payment is being based on the average net income per salmon in the commercial fishery for five years 2001 to 2005. This income calculation was based, by the group, on the average price obtained per fish each year less the costs incurred by fishermen. Each individual licence holder who applies to the fund is set to receive six times their average catch multiplied by the average net income per salmon. An additional payment equal to 6 times the current licence fee will be made in all cases.

The approach to determining the hardship payments that the Independent Group recommended and which was adopted by Government is, I believe, robust convincing and fair.

Question No. 554 answered with QuestionNo. 530.

John Deasy

Question:

555 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the action he will take regarding the proposals (details supplied) received from Commissioner Borg in connection with the hardship fund for salmon fishermen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14929/07]

The proposals contained in the letter from Commissioner Borg to the Deputy have been explored by the Department in devising the Salmon Hardship Scheme and where appropriate will be incorporated into the community support scheme, the focus of which will primarily be those communities where commercial salmon fishing has been a well-established activity and where its withdrawal demonstrably impacts on the economic and social fabric of the area.

Harbours and Piers.

John Deasy

Question:

556 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the status of the project for the redevelopment of Dunmore East harbour in County Waterford which is expected to cost in the region of €50 million; the amount of funding he is providing for this project under the 2007 harbours programme; the planned commencement and completion dates for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14939/07]

Following a lengthy public consultation process in 2004 on development options for Dunmore East Harbour, a planning application for a harbour development, together with an environmental impact statement, were prepared and submitted to Waterford County Council. Planning permission for the development of the Fishery Harbour Centre was received in late 2005. The cost of providing the new harbour facility is estimated at between €50 and €60 million depending on final scheme selection and tendering. In 2006 funding was provided for further design and site investigation to progress the development. Tender documents are currently being prepared for a Cost Benefit Analysis.

This year the Department is planning to address the siltation problem in the harbour, particularly around the syncrolift area. This is being done in consultation with the consulting engineers for the main harbour development. It is envisaged that maintenance dredging will be required. Dunmore East has been identified in the National Development Plan 2007-2013 as a harbour for development. The Department is currently drawing up the 2007 Harbours programme and the extent of the funding for 2007 will be addressed at that stage.

Coastal Protection.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

557 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he and his Department will take full responsibility for loss of life or injury caused by the serious delay in having a lease provided for works to begin in Buncrana to specifically facilitate the movement of the RNLI boats on the Swilly; the reason for this delay in furthering a project initially sanctioned for funding over 14 months ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14957/07]

There are two aspects to this matter which need to be considered separately. The first is the urgent need to enable the RNLI to launch their boat on a 24 hour basis. As a matter of public safety this has always been and continues to be given the highest priority by the Department. For this reason the Department issued a permit to Donegal County Council last December for the specific purpose of dredging an area of the harbour to provide conditions for the safe launch of the RNLI boat in all tidal conditions. This Permit (Permit no. 379) was issued by the Department on 22nd December and received the same day by the Council. It is a matter for the County Council to take action on foot of this permit.

It is with great concern that the Department learned from the County Council on 19 April that action had yet to be taken by the Council on foot of this Permit, which was sought and granted as an emergency measure. In view of the public safety concerns, it is fully incumbent on the Council to take appropriate measures to remedy the situation without further delay on foot of the Permit granted by the Department last December.

The second aspect is one of property management associated with the drafting and acceptance by the relevant parties of a lease in respect of a proposed breakwater at Buncrana. The Council requested a reduction or total waiver of foreshore charges on the basis that the facility was to be used by the RNLI.

Following extensive discussions and as an exceptional matter, the Department, with the agreement of the Department of Finance, informed the Council that it would consider waiving the rental charges if the Council could confirm that the proposed facility would be for the exclusive use of the RNLI. In addition, the Council was also informed that if it was unable to confirm that the facility would be used exclusively by the RNLI, the Department was prepared to apply a reduced rental charge based on the ratio of usage of the facility by the RNLI.

On 20th December last the Council confirmed that the works being proposed at Buncrana Harbour are being constructed solely for the use of the RNLI and are not being constructed for the benefit of any other party. On foot of this confirmation the Department entered into detailed discussions and correspondence with the Chief State's Solicitor's Office with a view to preparing an appropriate draft lease, which will best facilitate the Council's proposal and also safeguard the State's ongoing interest in the management and protection of the foreshore in the public interest.

The draft lease will involve the insertion of specific conditions which will reflect the fact that the arrangements involved are unusual and are based on the need to provide a permanent location for the RNLI which will enable the launch of their boat on a 24 hour basis. The Department's discussions with the Chief State Solicitor's Office have focussed on the public interest provisions of the Foreshore Acts, the proposed arrangements which the Council will need to make with the RNLI and other legal issues designed to protect the interests of all parties. The lease, when drafted, will require the agreement of all relevant parties. Every effort is being made to expedite the completion of the draft lease.

Fisheries Protection.

John Perry

Question:

558 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will reconsider the enormous increase, which is being proposed for rent of rooms (details supplied); if he has examined the implications of the lost revenue when the fishing fleet leaves Rossaveal; if he will provide the levels of rent or lease rates, which are being paid in every other harbour around the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15096/07]

The premises referred to has been occupied since 1995 by the current occupant under a caretaker's agreement. It was envisaged that ultimately a lease would be put in place for this premises but this has been delayed by problems reaching agreement on rent.

The Department sought an updated valuation in 2000 in view of the length of time that had elapsed since the premises were first occupied and to take account of any change in market conditions that had occurred in the meantime. This valuation was done by the Valuation Office, the State property valuation agency whose core business is to provide accurate, up-to-date valuations. The Valuation Office advised a revised rent but the occupant indicated it was not agreeable to paying this advised rent. Further protracted negotiations then took place between the Department and occupant. All possibilities were explored including the offer of a pro rata reduction in rent in exchange for the return of some office space to the Department. This appeared to offer a practical solution given that the occupant has considerable office space available to it in its own building nearby. However, this offer wasn't taken up.

Further meetings were held with a view to resolving the matter. The Department explained to the other party that under Procurement Guidelines from the Department of Finance, it was charged with obtaining a fair price for any properties leased by it. It was agreed that an independent valuation be undertaken along with one from the Valuation Office and this valuation took place in 2005. The independent valuer advised a reviewed rent, which the Department was prepared to accept but the other party has, to date, not accepted it.

The Department has made every effort to accommodate the other party's requirements and has been flexible at all times in trying to bring this matter to conclusion. In recent months the Department has had further negotiations with the occupant and has offered to further subdivide the premises with a corresponding reduction in rent but again the offer has not been accepted. If agreement cannot be reached the Department will have no option but to recover the premises and put it out to tender. The levels of rent for the leasing of commercial property in the Fishery Harbour Centres are those which are agreed on the basis of valuations provided by the Valuation Office or other independent valuer.

Coastal Zone Management.

John Perry

Question:

559 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has examined the implications of the Foreshore Act 1933 with regard to today’s planning environment; if he has examined the implications of the Act in view of the fact that it does not provide for the statutory involvement of local authorities or for any right of public appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15097/07]

John Perry

Question:

560 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the progress that been made with regard to the Government’s promise in the Action Programme for the Millennium, 1999, and the commitment contained therein to legislate comprehensively for the integrated management of the coastal zone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15098/07]

John Perry

Question:

561 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the progress that has been made with regard to a piece on his Department’s website which states the new legislation targeted for introduction in the Houses of the Oireachtas in the latter half of 2001, was intended to replace the Foreshore Acts and make provision for appeals in relation to foreshore leases and for an extended role for local authorities in relation to the coastal zone; the reason this targeted legislation was not introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15099/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 559, 560 and 561 together.

The Department's Statement of Strategy 2005-2007 indicates that procedures will be developed for enhanced coordination and cooperation between public bodies on management of the coastal zone. This is in response to the increasing demands and pressures on coastal areas and their resources, and the fact that a wide range of public bodies and agencies have roles to play in managing and regulating various aspects and dimensions of the coastal zone.

The need for action in this area has been recognised at EU level also, with the adoption in 2002 of a Recommendation on Integrated Coastal Zone Management. This asks Member States to undertake a stocktaking of the laws, institutions, agencies/bodies etc that impact on coastal areas, and, based on the results of the stocktaking to develop a strategy or strategies for Integrated Coastal Zone Management. The stocktake for Ireland has been largely completed and will be published in due course. This stocktake will allow work to commence on the regulatory framework to support an integrated approach to coastal zone management.

A consolidation and streamlining of the Foreshore Acts is also proposed. This will modernise these regulatory processes and procedures and provide a modern and effective legal framework for the management of the State's foreshore estate in the future. It will also allow for the provision of any necessary legislative underpinning of more integrated approaches to management of coastal areas. Preparation of these proposals will take account, among other things, of the principles in the EU Recommendation, the outcome of the EU Maritime Green Paper and the EU Marine Strategy Directive.

In addition, the Department will shortly commission a consultancy on the future development of coastal zone management in Ireland, which will assist in a major strategic review of the legislative framework, structures, and procedures in place to manage the State-owned foreshore.

Energy Resources.

John Perry

Question:

562 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will be granting permission for the proposed development of the Oriel windfarm project for Dundalk Bay, in view of the fact that nowhere else in Europe has permission for wind turbines of this size been granted so close to the shore; when he will be making a final decision on this issue; if he has met with any concerned groups regarding this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15100/07]

A lease application under the Foreshore Act, 1933, has been received for a windfarm in Dundalk Bay. The Department's specialist advisors have recently satisfied themselves that the application and Environmental Impact Statement are sufficiently detailed to allow the application to proceed to the public consultation phase of the process.

The details of the public consultation, to commence in early May, will shortly be advertised in local and national newspapers. The public consultation will last for two months and there will be full access to the environmental impact assessment including highly detailed photomontages, which will be available in the Council Offices, local libraries and specialist facilities in the area. The photomontages will give an accurate rendition of the effect on the visual amenity of the proposed windfarm from various local land based viewing points.

Objections made during the public consultation phase will be considered from any quarter, such as the general public or concerned groups. In addition, the Department consults widely in relation to the application with various statutory and other bodies, including the local council. The decision to grant or reject the lease application is not time bound and I will make a decision when I am satisfied that I have sought and received observations and objections from all interested and affected parties.

I am not aware of any requests for a meeting on the issue from any concerned groups; however, I am aware that Department officials have been in contact with interested members of the local community in advance of the application being made.

Fisheries Protection.

John Deasy

Question:

563 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will examine the cases of two fishermen (details supplied) who have fished for over 30 years each and who lost their licences before drift netting was legalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15101/07]

The Salmon Hardship Scheme is designed to provide some measure of relief to salmon fishermen arising from the loss of the income that they enjoyed in the recent past. I understand that neither of the individuals concerned is in that category and they are, therefore, not eligible for inclusion. There is an independent appeals mechanism under the scheme and it is a matter for the individuals to decide whether this is relevant to their particular cases.

Ministerial Staff.

Phil Hogan

Question:

564 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the names, titles, duties and dates of appointment of each of the special advisers, political advisers, personal assistants and press officers appointed by him; the salary level of each appointee including payments in lieu of pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14207/07]

The table provides the information requested in respect of personal appointees employed on contract by the Minister for Foreign Affairs:

Personal appointees employed on contract by the Minister for Foreign Affairs

Name

Role/Title

Date ofAppointment

Pay-Scale

Pension Contribution

Mr. Ciarán Ó Cuinn

Special Adviser (non-established)

30 September 2004

Principal Officer Standard Scale €80,408-€99,457

Yes Based on 11% of salary

Mr. Richard Moore

Press Adviser (non-established)

30 September 2004

Principal Officer Standard Scale €80,408-€99,457

Yes Based on 11% of salary

Ms Christine Maguire

Personal Assistant (non-established)

30 September 2004

Higher Executive Officer Standard scale €43,445-€55,147

Non-contributory pension scheme for non-established State employees applies

Ms Myra Wall

Personal Secretary (non-established)

30 September 2004

Executive Officer Higher Scale €28,523-€47,039

Non-contributory pension scheme for non-established State employees applies

The employment contracts of the non-established officers referred to in the table are coterminous with my appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs. Overtime, travel and subsistence expenses are paid in accordance with normal civil service regulations. All officers pay the A1 rate of PRSI.

Diplomatic Representation.

Liam Aylward

Question:

565 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if progress has been made in relation to the return of confiscated artwork to a person (details supplied). [14619/07]

The person in question, in common with a number of other Irish artists submitted works for an exhibition in Bled (Slovenia) in late 2001. After the exhibition the artwork was not returned. The organiser of the exhibition failed to return works by many exhibitors from several countries, allegedly as many as 1,000 pieces, and the organiser is in consequence the subject of criminal proceedings.

The Embassy in Ljubljana made representations on several occasions to secure the return of the works of Irish exhibitors and in 2004 the Slovenian authorities informed the Embassy that the works of several Irish exhibitors, including that of the person in question, had been recovered and were available for collection. The Embassy informed the person in question and other Irish exhibitors of the situation and asked for addresses, etc. to enable the works to be returned to them by the Slovenian authorities.

Where forwarding names and addresses were received, including that of the person in question, the Embassy gave the Slovenian authorities the necessary information for them to return the works to their respective owners. Having heard nothing more at the time, the Embassy concluded that the issue was disposed of.

Following representations to me from the Deputy in late March 2007, the Embassy in Ljubljana again raised the matter with the Slovenian authorities. The Embassy was informed that although the work had been forwarded on two separate occasions by the local Court to the address provided by the person in question, on both occasions it had been returned to the Court by the post. It is now being forwarded by the Court to the Irish Embassy in Ljubljana, and on receipt will be forwarded by the Embassy to its owner.

Passport Applications.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

566 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a person (details supplied) in County Galway, who was born in the United States of America and holds a US passport is entitled to an Irish passport in view of the fact that they have been living here for 68 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14677/07]

Irish passports are only issued to Irish citizens. There are four separate means by which a person, who is born outside Ireland, can obtain an Irish passport through citizenship. These are as follows:

(a) if the person in question has one Irish born parent, irrespective of where she was born, she is automatically an Irish citizen. She would, therefore, be entitled to an Irish Passport;

(b) she can claim Irish citizenship if, irrespective of where abroad she or her parents were born, one of her four grandparents was born in Ireland,

(c) likewise this would also apply if the person in question has one parent who, although not born in Ireland, was otherwise an Irish citizen at the time of her birth;

In order to claim citizenship as described at (b) or (c) above, she would be required to apply for registration in the Foreign Births Register. For this, she should apply to the Consular Section of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Iveagh House, St Stephens Green, Dublin 2.

(d) citizenship, through naturalisation, can be obtained by virtue of residency in Ireland over a period (usually five years) of residency. This process is managed by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, 14/16 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2.

The Department of Foreign Affairs will be very pleased to facilitate a passport application from the person when her right to Irish citizenship has been resolved.

Sports Capital Programme.

Gerard Murphy

Question:

567 Mr. G. Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding the application for a sports capital grant by a club (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14100/07]

The sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis. Applications for funding under the 2007 programme were invited through advertisements in the Press on October 15th and 16th last. The closing date for receipt of applications was November 24th 2006. A total of 1,533 applications were received including one for the project in question which was in the name of the Cork County Athletics Board.

All applications received before the deadline were evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. On 5th April last, I announced €85 million in provisional allocations to 935 organisations, which included a provisional grant of €700,000 to the project in question.

Arts Funding.

Liz McManus

Question:

568 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will ensure that funding is granted to the organisers of a festival (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14155/07]

Government support for the Arts is channelled primarily through the Arts Council, which is a statutorily independent body, under the Arts Act, 2003. The Council is independent in its day-to-day operations, including its funding decisions and I have no role in relation to such decisions. During my own term as the Minister responsible for the arts, funding for the Arts Council has increased by almost 68% from €47.67 million in 2002 to €80 million in 2007. These are significant amounts of money in any context and have transformed and increased access to the arts and allowed the Arts Council to support artists and arts organisations nationwide.

National Theatre.

Richard Bruton

Question:

569 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will explain the decision to install new seating in the Abbey Theatre at some expense when the Abbey itself will be moving premises in four years time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14191/07]

As the Deputy is aware the Government decided to proceed with the redevelopment of the Abbey Theatre at George's Dock on a Build, Finance, and Maintain (BFM) basis. At the same time, the Government agreed to hold an international design competition for the new Abbey Theatre.

I am sure the Deputy would agree, given the significance of this project, that time and care is vital in planning it. The Government is committed to providing a National Theatre of world class and scale. Once the winning design has been selected the building will be procured on a BFM Public Private Partnership basis. It is expected that the planning and procurement arrangements will take a further 12 months to finalise and the building will take 18 months to complete.

Given the timescale involved in procuring a new National Theatre, the existing National Theatre is expected to remain in situ for some time yet. Much of the equipment at the Abbey has become obsolete and age-worn. The works carried out are essential from a customer service and a health and safety perspective and I am satisfied that the works are necessary. The Abbey Theatre Board is independent of me in decisions of this nature. I understand, in any event, that the seating installation is modular; it can be reassembled elsewhere, if necessary. Just because the Abbey is due to be relocated is not sufficient reason to allow our National Theatre to fall into disrepair. I note that the newly installed seating, which vastly improves the theatre experience for customers and practitioners alike has been roundly welcomed.

Ministerial Staff.

Phil Hogan

Question:

570 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the names, titles, duties and dates of appointment of each of the special advisers, political advisers, personal assistants and press officers appointed by him; the salary level of each appointee including payments in lieu of pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14199/07]

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table.

Name

Title

Date of appointment

Salary

Tony Cotter

Special Adviser

7 June 2002

Principal Officer Standard Scale

Dan Collins

Special Adviser

16 May 2006

Principal Officer Standard Scale

Colin Miller

Personal Assistant

7 June 2002

Higher Executive Officer Standard Scale

Mary O’Connell

Personal Secretary

7 June 2002

Secretarial Assistant Scale + 10% attraction allowance.

My Special Adviser performs duties in accordance with Section 11 of the Public Service Management Act, 1997. My Personal Assistant and my Personal Secretary perform duties in line with those grades. Mr. Dan Collins replaced Mr. Tony Cotter as my Special Advisor with effect from 16th May 2006. Both my Personal Assistant and Personal Secretary are in the Civil Service Unestablished Superannuation scheme and my current Special Adviser is entitled to payment of 11% of salary in to a Revenue Commissioners approved private pension plan. My previous Special Advisor who was a Civil Servant was in the superannuation scheme for established Civil Servants. The staffing of my private office and my constituency Office is in line with Department of Finance guidelines on such matters.

Arts Funding.

Jack Wall

Question:

571 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his Department has received a recommendation from the all-party committee established to consider plans to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising that a planned film on the life of James Connolly, being produced by a company (details supplied) with the support of a number of trade unions, should receive financial support from his Department; if he will give favourable consideration to the recommendation; when a decision will be made on the recommendation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14234/07]

Correspondence was received from the All Party Oireachtas Committee on the Centenary of the 1916 Rising, regarding this film project. The Irish Film Board is the agency charged with developing and supporting the Irish film sector, and it is understood that the Board has been in contact with the promoters of this project. My Department's direct role is confined to administering elements of the Section 481 tax-based incentive scheme for investment in film productions, primarily in establishing the cultural element of projects seeking certification under the scheme.

The All-Party Committee is being informed of the options available under the Section 481 tax relief scheme to bring such a project to fruition, and of the role of the Irish Film Board in relation to film proposals generally.

Sports Capital Programme.

Denis Naughten

Question:

572 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of applications received from County Roscommon under the sports capital programme 2007; the amount of funding sought; the funds sought by each applicant and the purpose of such funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14318/07]

The sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis.

Applications for funding under the 2007 programme were invited through advertisements in the Press on October 15th and 16th last. The closing date for receipt of applications was November 24th 2006. A total of 1,533 applications were received seeking funding totalling €383.44 million, of which 29 applications seeking €5.8 million were from County Roscommon. I have arranged for the specific information relating to each individual application from the county to be forwarded to the Deputy.

All applications received before the deadline were evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. On 5th April last, I announced €85 million in provisional allocations to 935 organisations, including €1.395 million to 15 projects from County Roscommon.

Jack Wall

Question:

573 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the reason a club (details supplied) in County Kildare did not receive a capital sports grant under the recently announced scheme; the breakdown of the application where it did not comply with the criteria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14498/07]

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. All applications under the 2007 sports capital programme were evaluated by my Department in accordance with the assessment criteria for the programme published in the guidelines, terms and conditions document which accompanied the application form for the programme. Following completion of the evaluation of the applications received by my Department under the programme, I announced the provisional grant allocations on the 5th April last.

The application in question was unsuccessful and a letter advising the organisation together with a copy of the assessment carried out on the application, including any specific reasons for the application being unsuccessful, will be issued to the organisation in the very near future. It is open to the organisation, should it wish to do so and should it have a project which satisfies the terms and conditions of the programme, to submit an application for the next round of the programme when that scheme is publicly advertised.

Sports Funding.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

574 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount of moneys allocated to the GAA, IRFU and the FAI respectively each year since 2002 to date in 2007; the amount of grant drawn down by each of these organisations each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14832/07]

The only means of direct funding to national governing bodies (NGBs) of sport available to my Department is through sports capital allocations. The total amount of sports capital funding allocated each year since 2002 to the three NGBs in question — as distinct from their affiliated club, county boards or provincial councils or branches, and the amounts of those grants drawn down by them in each of those years, is contained in the table.

The Irish Sports Council, which as the Deputy is aware is the statutory body responsible for the development of sport, has also provided the following funding to the three NGBs since 2002:

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

Total

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

GAA

1.27

1.34

1.34

3.59

3.59

11.13

FAI

1.50

1.50

1.85

2.23

3.25

10.33

IRFU

3.75

3.50

3.50

3.56

3.75

18.06

Total

6.52

6.34

6.69

9.38

10.59

39.52

Sports Capital Allocations and drawdown of those allocations GAA, IRFU and FAI 2002-2007 (to date)

2002

Allocated

drawn down

FAI

0

0

IRFU

0

0

GAA

19,050,000

18,093,767

2003

Allocated

drawn down

FAI

225,000

225,000

IRFU

0

0

GAA

0

952,500

2004

Allocated

drawn down

FAI

100,000

0

IRFU

0

0

GAA

40,000,000

40,000,000

2005

Allocated

drawn down

FAI

485,000

85,000

IRFU

0

0

GAA

0

0

2006

Allocated

drawn down

FAI

250,000

750,000

IRFU

65,000

65,000

GAA

3,650,000

2,732,454

2007 (to date)

Allocated

drawn down

FAI

200,000

0

IRFU

0

0

GAA

0

0

Total 2002-2007

Allocated

drawn down

FAI

1,260,000

1,060,000

IRFU

65,000

65,000

GAA

62,700,000

61,778,721

Departmental Inquiries.

Paul McGrath

Question:

575 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if the inquiry in relation to the purchase of Joyce papers is completed within his Department; and when same will be published. [15068/07]

Paul McGrath

Question:

576 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if the inquiry in relation to the leaking of information in relation to parliamentary questions within his Department has been completed; and when same will be published. [15069/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 575 and 576 together.

I understand a report relating to the matters mentioned by the Deputy is nearing completion and will be presented to me shortly. When I receive the report I will consider its publication.

Sports Funding.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

577 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the assistance being given to the Irish Hockey Association in its promotion of the sport here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15127/07]

Dinny McGinley

Question:

578 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if there are funds available in his Department towards hockey coaching; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15128/07]

I propose to reply to Questions Nos. 577 and 578 together.

The Irish Sports Council (ISC) was set up as a statutory body in July 1999 with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards. The Sports Council provides funding to recognised National Governing Bodies (NGBs), including the Irish Hockey Association. NGBs are dealt with as autonomous organisations and grants are allocated under agreed funding conditions and with specific priorities in mind. The grant allocation process is run on an annual basis by the Sports Council, with NGBs submitting an application form covering their programmes for the coming year.

Since 1999, the Irish Hockey Association has received €3,954,229 in funding from the ISC, with grants of €1,115,059 to date in 2007. This includes funding for core activities which covers administration, employment of professional staff, coach development and assorted development activities. For certain sports it may also include hosting events and programmes aimed at increasing participation. The grants to the Irish Hockey Association also include funding for programmes under the Women in Sport initiative, high performance and the International Carding Scheme, which provides direct support in terms of grant-aid and indirect support in terms of sport science and medical backup to elite and top aspiring athletes.

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. A total of €4.42 million has been allocated to hockey projects in sports capital funding since 1998, including €825,000 allocated under the 2007 sports capital programme, which I announced on April 5 last. The majority of the sports capital funding was to individual clubs towards the development of their playing and training facilities. However, a total of €1.29 million was also allocated to the Irish Hockey Association towards the development of its national stadium at Belfield and €223,800 to that national governing body of sport towards the provision of hockey equipment to be distributed to its clubs, high performance players and to schools in assisting the promotion and playing of the sport.

Swimming Pool Projects.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

579 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when the expenditure review of the local authority swimming pool programme will be completed; and when it is expected that a new round of the local authority swimming pool programme will be launched. [15217/07]

As I indicated in my reply to similar Parliamentary Question on 5 April, my Department is completing an Expenditure Review of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme at present. The Review is examining, among other things, how the programme has worked to date and what changes, if any, are required to ensure its effective and efficient delivery. The Review is currently being finalised and it is my intention to present it to the Oireachtas and publish it as soon as possible. Following consideration of the recommendations in the review it is my intention to launch a new round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme as soon as possible.

Sports Capital Programme.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

580 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the value of capital grants sought under the sports capital programme in 2007 in each county; the number of applications; the value of grants awarded in each county; and the number of successful applicants. [15233/07]

The sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, allocates funding to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis. Applications for funding under the 2007 programme were invited through advertisements in the Press on October 15th and 16th last. The closing date for receipt of applications was November 24th 2006. A total of 1,533 applications were received seeking funding totalling €383.44 million.

All applications received before the deadline were evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. On 5th April last, I announced €85 million in provisional allocations to 935 organisations. The detailed information sought by the Deputy on a county basis is contained in the table.

Sports Capital Programme 2007 — Summary Information

Number of Projects

Amount Sought

Successful Apps

Allocations

Carlow

22

2,744,149

13

763,750

Cavan

33

6,252,586

24

1,628,500

Clare

60

10,349,320

32

2,160,000

Cork

181

30,305,230

110

9,972,300

Donegal

52

13,536,269

37

3,216,100

Dublin

229

89,297,968

133

19,500,750

Galway

96

23,137,242

56

4,470,000

Kerry

81

28,804,753

62

3,541,400

Kildare

38

7,583,498

17

1,948,500

Kilkenny

40

7,537,411

24

2,185,500

Laois

35

4,228,424

19

1,561,200

Leitrim

23

3,356,887

13

691,000

Limerick

82

26,214,614

48

6,501,000

Longford

24

3,453,297

18

1,061,000

Louth

47

15,894,708

27

2,043,500

Mayo

61

14,069,146

43

2,525,500

Meath

38

6,512,216

23

2,218,500

Monaghan

35

5,886,308

19

1,010,500

Offaly

41

5,246,790

32

2,048,000

Roscommon

29

5,803,109

15

1,395,000

Sligo

29

5,885,143

19

1,479,000

Tipperary

81

18,913,168

50

4,119,000

Waterford

42

20,269,243

26

2,830,500

Westmeath

37

6,115,736

19

1,894,000

Wexford

66

14,729,887

37

2,607,500

Wicklow

31

7,313,372

19

1,628,000

Total

1,533

383,440,474

935

85,000,000

Arts Funding.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

581 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding the application for funding in respect of an organisation (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15354/07]

An application for funding was received from this project under the Arts and Culture Capital Enhancement Support Scheme II (ACCESS II). This is the successor to the highly successful ACCESS I scheme, introduced in August 2001, which allocated funding of almost €43 million to 40 projects nationwide. ACCESS has been widely acknowledged as a significant intervention in the provision of high quality arts and culture infrastructure around the country. Under the new Access Scheme, 70% of the funds will be directed towards the enhancement and/or refurbishment of existing facilities, with 30% available for new facilities.

An independent Selection Committee has recently completed their assessment of the applications and has completed its report for my consideration. I have been examining this report and hope to make an announcement regarding the successful applicants shortly.

Health and Safety Regulations.

Liam Twomey

Question:

582 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that over 200 inspections carried out by the Health and Safety Authority highlighted serious problems and inadequacies in risk assessment for manual handling and for ergonomics in hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12051/07]

Liam Twomey

Question:

583 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that over 200 inspections carried out by the Health and Safety Authority highlighted serious problems and inadequacies in the procedures for dealing with violence and aggression in overcrowded departments in hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12050/07]

Liam Twomey

Question:

584 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that over 200 inspections carried out by the Health and Safety Authority highlighted serious problems and inadequacies in infection control in hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12049/07]

Liam Twomey

Question:

605 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that over 200 inspections carried out by the Health and Safety Authority highlighted serious problems and inadequacies in the handling of chemical and biological agents in hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12047/07]

Liam Twomey

Question:

606 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that over 200 inspections carried out by the Health and Safety Authority highlighted serious problems in overcrowding and congestion in hospitals; and ifhe will make a statement on the matter. [12048/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 582 to 584, inclusive, and 605 and 606 together.

I understand that the Health and Safety Authority carried out a programme of inspections in the accident and emergency departments of 17 hospitals in 2005. Advice letters were issued in all cases with recurring themes, notably, violence, training, risk assessments, manual handling, fire, stress, chemical agents and biological agents. In 2006, the Authority inspected 16 hospitals, 10 of which were follow-up to the accident emergency inspections of 2005, but which also embraced the entirety of those hospitals. The 2006 inspections included a specific biological agents element, concentrating on the safe management of infection control policies from the point of view of the safety and health of healthcare staff. In this regard, 12 Improvement Notices under the Safety, Health and Welfare Act 2005 were issued by the Authority.

The Authority focused on the existence and implementation of comprehensive infection control policies in hospitals 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 take account of all biological agents that may be present and, in particular, focus on those organisms that are of primary concern including, Legionella, Hepatitis B, HIV, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB), Streptococcus pyrogenes and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

I also understand that the Authority is continuing to follow up on hospital inspections which is part of its 2007 Programme of Work. The main objective is to improve health and safety management systems and practices in the healthcare sector. Inspections will focus on worker protection in general hospitals, nursing homes and psychiatric institutions and will include risk assessments for work activities, maintenance/cleaning procedures, security/ violence procedures, manual handling and control of biological agents. In addition the Authority is following up on the inspections carried out in 2006 to ensure compliance in relation to issues which arose then.

Ministerial Staff.

Phil Hogan

Question:

585 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the names, titles, duties and dates of appointment of each of the special advisers, political advisers, personal assistants and press officers appointed by him; the salary level of each appointee including payments in lieu of pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14204/07]

The table sets out details in respect of current staff appointed by me:

Name

Title

Function

Date of Appointment

Salary (Per annum)

Christopher Mannion

Special Advisor Full-time

To provide advice and assistance to the Minister.

29/09/04

PO Level

Deirdre Gillane

Policy Adviser Full-time

To provide advice and assistance to the Minister on policy issues.

29/09/04

PO Level

Jerry O’Connor

Press Adviser Full-time

To provide advice and assistance to the Minister on media issues.

11/12/06

PO Level

Margaret Kenneally

Personal Assistant 0.5% worksharer

To perform general secretarial duties including the handling of enquiries made to the Ministers Constituency Office.

10/10/05

€22,766-€33,913 (50% of full pay)

Melanie Hewitt

Personal Assistant 0.6% worksharer

As above

29/09/04

€22,766-€36,913 (60% of full pay), plus weekly allowance of €70.68

Anne Donnelly

Personal Assistant 0.5% worksharer

As above

26/02/07

€21,625-€35,071 (50% of full pay)

Elizabeth O’Donoghue

Personal SecretaryFull-time

As above

29/09/04

€28,523-€45,262 (plus weekly allowance of €70.68)

No additional payments in lieu of pension have been made to staff members listed. Appointment to these positions is strictly temporary and will terminate not later than the date on which the Minister ceases to hold office.

Departmental Correspondence.

Jack Wall

Question:

586 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views in relation to correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14271/07]

I am aware of the concerns raised in the correspondence referred to in the Deputy's question regarding particular provisions of the recently enacted Consumer Protection Act 2007. Essentially the correspondent is concerned that the provisions in the Act prohibiting traders from imposing additional charges on customers by reason of the customer choosing to make payment for goods or services by one specified method over another will have a severe impact on the operation of his business.

I would advise the Deputy that the said provisions merely prohibit differential pricing by traders based on method of payment. In this regard, it is important to point out that the provisions do not prevent traders from seeking to recover costs incurred from accepting payment by particular methods.

Whilst I am aware and mindful of the concerns expressed in the aforementioned correspondence, I am satisfied that the provisions in the Act merely reflect common practice as the vast majority of traders do not impose surcharges for accepting payment by particular methods and do not differentiate in price as between payment methods. I would emphasise that the protection of consumers was the sole aim in introducing these provisions and I am confident that their impact will be in line with that aim.

Decentralisation Programme.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

587 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason the temporary office block to house the Company Registration Office in Carlow was chosen in view of the fact that it is still under construction and that there are many other suitable sites already built in the town, and available to rent; the costs associated with renting the temporary office; when he expects the permanent office block to be operational; the original time-scale for same; and when all 300 staff will be moved to Carlow town under the decentralisation programme. [14283/07]

My Department is required to move 250 posts to Carlow under the Government's Decentralisation Programme. The following business units/Offices of my Department have been selected as part of the Decentralisation Programme and will be relocated in the new decentralised office:

Companies Registration Office/Registry of Friendly Societies

National Employment Rights Authority (NERA)

Work Permits

Redundancy Payments Section

Insolvency Payments Section

In total, the indicative number of posts in Business Units decentralising to Carlow, as at 20th April 2007 is 288. The Office of Public Works (OPW) has primary responsibility for the procurement of suitable accommodation for both the advance and permanent re-location of decentralising Departments, including my Department's staff to Carlow.

With regard to the Permanent Office, the OPW completed the purchase of a site in Carlow town centre late in 2005. An advertisement was placed by the OPW in the national newspapers and in the Official Journal of the European Union, on 1st June 2006, seeking Expressions of Interest from experienced developers/contractors who wished to be considered in connection with the provision of office accommodation for my Department in Carlow. This is part of a major PPP project which also involves the provision of office accommodation for the Department of Agriculture and Food in Portlaoise and the Department of Education and Science in Mullingar. The project will be procured on a Design/Build/Finance/Maintain basis and a single contract will be placed covering the three buildings. Financial advice is being provided to the OPW by the National Development Finance Agency.

The OPW has advised my Department that an evaluation of the Expressions of Interest was completed in February 2007, and a short-list of developers/contractors was identified from whom tenders have been invited, at end of March 2007, with the tenders due to be returned to the OPW by the end of July. When selected, it will be a matter for the preferred tenderer to secure a satisfactory planning permission in respect of each of the locations. On receipt of satisfactory planning permissions, the preferred tenderer will be instructed to prepare working drawings, specifications and Bills of Quantities with a view to a contract being placed and construction work commencing on the three sites.

The OPW has also advised that, all going well, construction of the permanent office is expected to be complete in 2009. In order to accommodate staff who wish to move earlier than the projected permanent building completion date, officials of my Department, in consultation with the Department of Finance and the OPW, as well as decentralising staff and Business Units, are progressing an earlier move to Carlow. It has been agreed that approximately 100 staff, 63 from NERA, 33 staff from a division within the CRO, along with a small number of support staff, will participate in an advance move to Carlow in Q2 2007, on a voluntary basis.

Following my Department's request for interim accommodation in Carlow, the OPW assessed a number of proposals in the town. Taking account of my Department's specific requirements and the timescale involved, it was decided that the premises selected represented the best overall solution to meet the Department's requirements. I am informed by the OPW that the rent will be in the region of €370,000 per annum, depending on final measurement.

Legal Metrology Service.

Denis Naughten

Question:

588 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 264 and 265 of 14 December 2006, the situation regarding the industrial relations issue; the date when the Legal Metrology Service last performed a full inspection programme of weighing equipment in each meat processing plant; when a full programme will recommence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14316/07]

The Deputy will be aware of the background to this matter from replies on 28 September 2005, 25 January, 16 February, 20 June and 14 December 2006. Following identification of a number of serious health and safety risks, the testing of weighing equipment used for trade in meat processing plants was reviewed during the period 2002 to 2004. Full checks have not been undertaken since the review commenced and while a limited programme of inspections of weighing equipment in meat processing plants is in place it will not be possible to operate a full inspection regime until an industrial relations issue relating to the hiring of private hauliers for the conveyance and lifting of test equipment is resolved.

A Labour Relations Commission hearing on 27 March 2006 was unsuccessful in resolving the matter and further negotiations are ongoing between management and staff representatives. An external facilitator was engaged and negotiations commenced in July 2006. The negotiations are now at a particularly sensitive stage and every effort is being made to resolve the matter with a view to resuming the full inspection programme.

Community Employment Schemes.

Michael Ring

Question:

589 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will review the guidelines regarding the length of time a category of people (details supplied) can stay on a scheme. [14355/07]

Michael Ring

Question:

590 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will review the guidelines regarding the length of time people (details supplied) can stay on a scheme. [14356/07]

Dan Neville

Question:

603 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will review the situation in relation to the eligibility of people at 59 years of age having completed the community employment scheme to continue on this scheme. [14896/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 589, 590 and 603 together.

Community Employment (CE) is an active labour market programme designed to provide eligible long term unemployed people and other disadvantaged persons with an opportunity to engage in useful work within their communities on a fixed term basis. CE helps unemployed people to re-enter the open labour market by breaking their experience of unemployment through a return to a work routine and to assist them to enhance/develop both their technical and personal skills.

In April 2000 the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) introduced limits on the amount of time that a person could participate on CE (3-years total time on CE from 3rd April 2000 — participation on CE before this date is disregarded). This measure was introduced to facilitate the movement of participants through CE, allowing new participants who may not otherwise have such an opportunity, avail of the programme.

To cater for older workers in particular, in November 2004 I revised the 3 year CE cap to allow those of 55 years of age and over to avail of a 6-year period on CE (based on participation since 3rd April 2000). Subsequently, the participation limit for persons eligible for CE based on a Social Welfare disability linked payment was increased by one year. These measures were introduced in recognition of the fact that older participants and participants with a disability may find it more difficult to progress into the open labour market.

The aim of CE still remains as an active labour market programme with the emphasis on progression into employment. The programme is managed within this context, with consideration to the availability of resources and the needs of participants and the community. I am informed by FÁS that participation limits will continue to be operated flexibly at local level. While there is no formal review taking place the operation of the scheme is kept under constant review. I would like to highlight that FÁS and Local Employment Service offices are available to provide information on other employment and training opportunities which may be available to those exiting CE.

Job Creation.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

591 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of new IDA supported jobs that have been created here in the past six months. [14425/07]

As employment data in respect of companies supported by the Enterprise Agencies is collated by Forfás on an annual basis, the figure for jobs created in the last six months is not available. In 2006, 11,846 full-time jobs were created in IDA supported firms; the total number of permanent jobs in such firms at the end of 2006 was 135,487.

Community Employment Schemes.

Denis Naughten

Question:

592 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress to date between his Department and the Health Service Executive on the mainstreaming of community employment schemes; the schemes mainstreamed to date; the schemes which will be mainstreamed in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14437/07]

Community Employment (CE) is an active labour market programme designed to provide eligible long term unemployed people and other disadvantaged persons with an opportunity to engage in useful work within their communities on a fixed term basis. CE helps unemployed people to re-enter the active workforce by breaking their experience of unemployment through a return to a work routine and to assist them to enhance/develop both their technical and personal skills.

To this end and in order to support the delivery of essential services, the ring fencing and prioritisation of places for health related services, including assistance for persons with disabilities, childcare and Drugs Task Force clients was introduced over the period 2002/2003. As a result, service provision levels by CE participants within these sectors was, and continues to be, maintained at a constant level. The total number of places spread across the 3 ring-fenced sectors, namely Drugs (800), Childcare (2,000) and Health (3,200), is approximately 6,000, which represents 27% of current places.

In November 2004, following a review of FÁS Employment Schemes (Community Employment, Job Initiative and Social Economy Programmes), it was announced that Community Employment places supporting the delivery of health services will continue to be ring-fenced. There are no plans at present to mainstream these Community Employment places.

Redundancy Payments.

Jack Wall

Question:

593 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 212 of 28 March 2007, his views in regard to the redundancy entitlement of a person (details supplied) in Count Carlow in view of the reply given; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14499/07]

The position in relation to the person concerned has not changed since the date of the last reply on 28th March 2007. This person, who was made redundant on 11 March 2005 was paid statutory redundancy of €49,800 and acknowledged receipt of same. Had he been dissatisfied with the amount he received, it was open to him to lodge an appeal with the Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT) within 12 months from the date of the termination of his employment. The EAT has the discretion to extend that period by a further 12 months. This period expired on 11 March 2007. I am informed that an appeal was not lodged within the specified time limit. The provisions of the Redundancy Payments Acts 1967 to 2003 set down the time limits for bringing claims and I have no discretion in the matter.

Work Permits.

Marian Harkin

Question:

594 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will clarify the situation with regard to the status of au pairs from Bulgaria and Romania wishing to work here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14522/07]

Nationals of Bulgaria and Romania who wish to access the Irish labour market for the first time require an employment permit. Regarding the position of au pairs, the Employment Permits Section of my Department operates a List of Ineligible Job Categories covering occupations which are expected to be sourced from within the EU/EEA and for which therefore Work Permits are not available. This list, which is on the Department's Employment Permits Website at www.entemp.ie, includes the following occupations in the category of Childcare Workers — Nursery/Crèche Workers, Child Minder/ Nanny.

Job Losses.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

595 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the situation in relation to a company (details supplied) in County Donegal paying back moneys that may be owed to State agencies further to its relocation out of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14554/07]

Grant agreements between Enterprise Ireland and companies are a matter for those parties and the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment does not have a direct function in this area. All funding provided by Enterprise Ireland is subject to a legal grant agreement between the company and Enterprise Ireland. Enterprise Ireland grant-aided companies must meet their obligations to creditors and employees in the event of closure or liquidation.

The company in question ceased manufacturing in December 2005, following which, in line with its normal policy, Enterprise Ireland revoked and sought repayment of certain Employment Grants and of the Preference Shares that Enterprise Ireland had invested in the development of the company. An offer of repayment of the preference shares was made by the company to Enterprise Ireland but this offer cannot be fully considered by Enterprise Ireland until the agency has received up-to-date audited accounts and other relevant financial information from the company. These have been repeatedly sought by Enterprise Ireland but have not yet been furnished by the company.

The situation regarding grant liabilities is disputed by the company. Enterprise Ireland is considering its response, including possible legal action to recover those liabilities. However the agency will need to have sight of the company's accounts before making its final decision. As regards the factory premises, Enterprise Ireland has no charge over the building and the agency's consent is not required for the sale of the building by the company. Enterprise Ireland continues to pursue the company to provide it with up-to-date accounts to enable the situation regarding the repayment of preference shares and outstanding grant liabilities to be resolved.

Health and Safety Issues.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

596 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the plight of a number of former miners in the Slieveardagh coalfields in north Tipperary who have suffered significant damage to their health arising from their employment; his views on the establishment of a compensation scheme for such miners similar to that operating in the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14605/07]

Occupational safety and health legislation under the aegis of this Department relating to the protection of workers in mines, and other places of work, and which is administered and enforced by the Health and Safety Authority, is focussed solely on the prevention of occupational accidents and ill-health. There is no provision in health and safety legislation relating to compensation for persons affected by occupational injuries or diseases.

Under the Occupational Injuries Benefits Scheme operated by the Department of Social and Family Affairs benefits may be payable in respect of insured workers affected by occupational accidents and certain prescribed occupational diseases, including pneumoconiosis.

Community Employment Schemes.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

597 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on whether preventing those over the age of 55 from participating on community employment schemes constitutes discrimination in the context of equality legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14615/07]

Currently there are over 6,000 people over 55 years of age on CE. This represents circa 29% of those on CE, a figure which has increased from 25% at year end 2005. To cater for older workers in particular, in November 2004 I revised the standard 3 year CE capping to allow those of 55 years of age and over to avail of a 6-year period on CE (based on participation since 3rd April 2000). This was in recognition of the fact that older participants may find it more difficult to progress into employment.

The aim of CE still remains as an active labour market programme with the emphasis on progression into employment. FÁS operates the Community Employment Programme at local level in a flexible way in order to meet the needs of the participants and support their progression into employment.

Work Permits.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

598 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide a list of the countries of origin of all persons who applied for a work permit here between 2005 and 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14642/07]

Provided is a list of the countries of origin of all persons who applied for a work permit between 2005 and 2007.

Nationality

New Permits Issued

Renewals Issued

Total Issued

Applications Refused

Afghanistan

0

0

0

1

Albania

6

102

108

4

Albanian

0

2

2

0

Algeria

36

140

176

17

Angolo

1

0

1

0

Antigua & Barbuda

1

0

1

0

Argentina

67

84

151

14

Armenia

6

0

6

0

Austria

1

1

2

0

Australia

1,050

926

1,822

69

Azerbaijan

0

2

2

1

Bahamas

3

2

5

1

Bahrain

10

6

16

0

Bangladesh

333

1,413

1,746

1,67

Barbados

3

3

6

0

Belarus

65

1,016

1,151

20

Bhutan (Kingdom of)

0

2

2

0

Bolivia

2

5

7

0

Bosnia Herzegovina

24

110

134

5

Bosnian

0

2

2

0

Botswana

57

44

101

0

Brazil

480

2,266

2,746

137

Bulgaria

106

909

1,015

16

Burkina Faso

1

0

1

0

Burma

2

2

4

0

Burundi

2

2

4

0

Brunei

3

0

3

0

Cameroon

6

19

25

0

Canada

403

328

731

28

Cape Verde

1

0

1

0

Chile

24

29

53

3

China

629

2,122

2,751

401

Chinese

0

4

4

0

Colombia

8

31

49

1

Congo Republic of

1

1

2

1

Congo (Democratic Republic of)

2

4

6

0

Costa Rica

2

5

7

0

Croatia

116

215

331

9

Cuba

6

7

13

1

Dominica

2

0

2

0

Dominican Republic

2

0

2

0

Ecuador

2

6

8

0

Egypt

112

361

473

60

Egyptian

0

1

1

0

El Salvador

2

5

7

0

Eritrea

0

3

3

0

Estonia Alien

1

21

22

0

Ethiopia

7

22

29

1

Fiji

3

0

3

0

Gambia

0

6

6

0

Georgia

3

17

20

12

Ghana

7

24

31

2

Grenada

2

1

3

0

Guadeloupe

1

1

2

0

Guatemala

1

3

6

2

Guyana

2

1

3

0

Haiti

1

0

1

0

Honduras

0

6

6

0

Hong Kong

31

242

273

18

Hong Kong S.A.R.

0

2

2

0

India

2,551

1,161

4,612

254

Indonesia

38

110

148

3

Iran

11

53

64

2

Iraq

2

5

7

1

Israel

152

35

187

3

Ivory Coast

1

5

6

0

Jamaica

6

21

27

0

Japan

209

295

504

16

Jordan

25

26

51

1

Kazakhstan

8

47

55

2

Kenya

20

17

37

0

Korea (Democratic Peoples Republic of (North))

1

4

5

1

Korea (Democratic Peoples Republic of (South))

1

3

4

0

Korea (Republic of South)

1

2

3

0

Korea (Republic of (South))

33

47

80

1

Kosovo

4

50

54

3

Kuwait

31

0

31

0

Kyrgyz Republic

2

8

10

0

Latvia (Alien)

11

254

265

0

Lebanon

19

33

85

6

Liberia

0

0

0

1

Libya

2

13

15

0

Macedonia (FYR)

12

13

25

0

Malawi

6

13

19

2

Malaysia

638

1,219

1,857

154

Malaysian

0

1

1

0

Maldives

2

0

2

1

Mali

1

0

1

0

Mauritania

6

5

11

3

Mauritius

39

51

90

24

Mexico

106

59

165

6

Moldova

149

1,283

1,432

45

Mongolia

5

22

27

6

Morocco

87

175

262

14

Mozambique

5

1

6

0

Myanmar

0

2

2

0

Myanmar (Formerly Burma)

12

80

92

1

Namibia

6

2

8

1

Nepal

40

117

157

30

New Zealand

574

593

1,167

39

Nicaragua

1

0

1

0

Niger

5

3

8

1

Nigera

0

1

1

0

Nigeria

105

89

124

22

Oman

4

0

4

2

Pakistan

533

1,226

1,759

190

Palestine

1

0

1

0

Panama

1

0

1

1

Paraguay

0

10

10

0

Peru

15

35

50

0

Philippines

2,001

6,708

8,709

197

Republic of Congo

3

0

3

0

Republic of Korea

1

0

1

0

Republic of Korea (South)

1

1

2

0

Romania

453

2,905

3,358

102

Romanian

0

3

3

0

Russia

11

0

11

0

Russian

0

2

2

0

Russian Federation

216

1,004

1,220

26

Samoa (USA)

5

0

5

0

Santa Lucia

1

0

1

1

Saudi Arabia

1

0

1

1

Senegal

3

3

6

0

Serbia

17

6

23

3

Seychelles

1

1

2

0

Sierra Leone

3

5

8

1

Singapore

27

21

48

4

South Africa

1,557

2,298

3,855

111

South Africa

0

1

1

0

South Korea

0

2

2

0

Sri Lanka

135

223

358

13

Sudan

11

7

18

1

Suriname

0

0

0

1

Swaziland

0

4

4

0

Syria

10

51

61

3

Tanzania

8

12

20

0

Thailand

287

880

1,167

89

The Republic of Togo

1

0

1

0

Tonga

2

1

3

1

Trinidad & Tobago

16

12

28

0

Tunisia

46

123

169

4

Turkey

266

292

558

52

Taiwan

0

5

5

1

Turkmenistan

0

2

2

0

Uganda

6

6

12

0

Ukraine

919

2,976

3,895

105

United Arab Emirates

32

2

34

0

United States of America

0

0

1

0

United States of America

1,353

980

2,333

74

Uruguay

4

4

8

0

Uzbekistan

10

13

23

4

Venezuela

27

25

52

2

Vietnam

64

124

188

22

West Indies

0

3

3

0

Western Samoa

5

1

6

0

Yemen

3

0

3

0

Yugoslavia

0

4

4

0

Yugoslavia (Federal Republic of)

79

250

329

6

Yugoslavia (Federal Republic)

0

2

2

0

Zambia

14

9

23

0

Zimbabwe

88

350

438

18

Employment Rights.

Willie Penrose

Question:

599 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position and method by which carer’s leave can be taken by a person; if it is necessary that it should be taken in blocks of a minimum of 13 weeks, whereby employees often feel that four or six weeks would be adequate; if, in this context in particular, it is the policy of the Health Service Executive to insist that it be taken in blocks of a minimum of 13 weeks; if same is mandatory or optional; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14756/07]

The Carer's Leave Act 2001 (as amended) provides that a person may take leave for up to 104 weeks to care for a person who is deemed by the Department of Social and Family Affairs to be in need of such care. Carer's Leave may be taken in either one continuous period of 104 weeks or by one or more periods, the total duration of which does not amount to more than 104 weeks.

The minimum statutory period of carer's leave is 13 weeks. An employer may refuse, on reasonable grounds, to permit an employee to avail of carer's leave for less than a 13-week period. When an employer so refuses, s/he must specify in writing to the employee the grounds for such a refusal. Under the terms of the Act, the employer and employee may agree to arrangements for carer's leave that are more favourable to the employee than those set out in the Act. It is a matter for the Health Service Executive and its employees to agree any arrangements for carer's leave that might be more favourable to its employees than those specified in the Act.

If an employee considers that his or her rights have been breached under the Carer's Leave Act 2001 (as amended), he or she can take a case to a Rights Commissioner of the Labour Relations Commission for adjudication and on appeal to the Employment Appeals Tribunal. The entitlement to carer's benefit payment is based on PRSI contributions and is payable by the Department of Social and Family Affairs.

Research and Development.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

600 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will consider the concerns of a person (details supplied) regarding Ireland’s failure to participate in international particle physics research; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14838/07]

The Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation recognises the importance for Ireland in building its international collaborative networks in science and highlights the importance of making investments in a way that produces the greatest benefit to Ireland. Ireland is currently involved in various international programmes and initiatives including the European Seventh Framework Programme for Research (FP7), the European Space Agency, the European Molecular Biology Laboratory, EUREKA, the network for market orientated research and development and COST, European co-operation in the field of scientific and technical research.

However, I am conscious of the evolving landscape of international research initiatives and policies and consequently at my request, the Advisory Science Council (ASC) has commenced a study in order to help elaborate a strategy for Ireland's international engagement in science, technology and innovation. The outcome of this study, which is expected to be completed later this year, will be used, inter alia, to guide decision making on the international organisations in which Ireland should seek closer involvement.

Job Creation.

Pat Breen

Question:

601 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of IDA assisted jobs that have been lost and created in County Clare in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14841/07]

Pat Breen

Question:

602 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of site visits by IDA representatives with interested parties to Ennis, County Clare in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14855/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 601 and 602 together.

During 2006 there were twenty-seven jobs created in IDA supported companies in County Clare and forty-seven jobs lost. The Agency hosted seven site visits by potential investors to County Clare during 2006, of which one was to Ennis. Ennis is designated as a hub under the National Spatial Strategy (NSS) and is a priority location for IDA. Jobs creation and job losses are a feature of all economies as various sectors expand and contract in response to market forces.

The Agency has assured me that it is committed to the development of Clare, including Ennis, and is actively promoting the County for new investment and jobs, as part of an integrated Mid-West region. At the end of 2006 there were nine IDA supported companies operating in County Clare employing approximately 1,004 people.

IDA's strategy for the Mid West region involves:

winning new FDI in innovation driven, high value, high skills sectors,

working with their existing company base to expand their presence by the addition of increased functions of scale and increased strategic functions,

ongoing influence of tailored property solutions and the supporting infrastructure to meets the needs of inward investors, and

working with local authorities and other partners to develop and strengthen the ecosystem to help win new FDI throughout the region, including for Clare.

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 Clare, including Ennis.

Question No. 603 answered with QuestionNo. 589.

Employment Rights.

Willie Penrose

Question:

604 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position, and method, by which carer’s leave can be taken by a person, and if it is necessary that it should be taken in blocks of a minimum of 13 weeks, whereby employees often feel that four or six weeks would be adequate; if in this context it is the policy of the Health and Safety Authority to insist that it be taken in blocks of a minimum of 13 weeks; if same is mandatory or optional; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15112/07]

The Carer's Leave Act 2001 (as amended) provides that a person may take leave for up to 104 weeks to care for a person who is deemed by the Department of Social and Family Affairs to be in need of such care. Carer's Leave may be taken in either one continuous period of 104 weeks or by one or more periods, the total duration of which does not amount to more than 104 weeks. The minimum statutory period of carer's leave is 13 weeks. An employer may refuse, on reasonable grounds, to permit an employee to avail of carer's leave for less than a 13-week period. When an employer so refuses, s/he must specify in writing to the employee the grounds for such a refusal.

Under the terms of the Act, the employer and employee may agree to arrangements for carer's leave that are more favourable to the employee than those set out in the Act. It is a matter for the Health and Safety Authority and its employees to agree any arrangements for carer's leave that might be more favourable to its employees than those specified in the Act. If an employee considers that his or her rights have been breached under the Carer's Leave Act 2001 (as amended), he or she can take a case to a Rights Commissioner of the Labour Relations Commission for adjudication and on appeal to the Employment Appeals Tribunal. The entitlement to carer's benefit payment is based on PRSI contributions and is payable by the Department of Social and Family Affairs.

Questions Nos. 605 and 606 answered with Question No. 582.

Departmental Investigations.

Phil Hogan

Question:

607 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when an investigation in respect of a matter relating to IDA property at a location (details supplied) in County Waterford will be completed in view of the fact that it is ongoing for 18 months; the reason an interim report is not published despite the fact that it is available since September 2006; the action he will take to complete this investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15210/07]

I brought this matter to the attention of the Chairman of the IDA Board and he arranged for an investigation, which commenced in October 2005. I understand that the process has proved to be more protracted than originally expected and no interim or other report has yet been received. The intention is that as soon as the investigation is completed the Chairman will inform me of the outcome.

Community Employment Schemes.

Dan Boyle

Question:

608 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will make a statement on the status of the community employment and jobs initiative schemes; the number of people currently on each scheme; if vacancies that arise in the schemes are being filled; his long-term strategy for the development of the two schemes; and his views on whether this strategy should have been included in Towards 2016 and the new national development plan. [15286/07]

Community Employment (CE) is an active labour market programme designed to provide eligible long term unemployed people and other disadvantaged persons with an opportunity to engage in useful work within their communities on a fixed term basis. CE helps unemployed people to re-enter the open labour market by breaking their experience of unemployment through a return to a work routine and to assist them to enhance/develop both their technical and personal skills.

At present, there are approximately 22,500 individuals availing of CE nationally. As participants progress through CE, places continue to be made available for new participants to avail of the programme. Within the context of the Education and Qualifications Act (1999), certified learning has become a key objective for all FÁS funded training. In this context, as part of its continuous improvement processes, FÁS has introduced a new Individual Learner Plan approach to the Community Employment programme. This approach, aimed at systematically supporting the progression of programme participants, is currently being rolled out nationwide. The ILP sets out a profile of the learner development needs both in relation to project skills training and progression training. Career planning and exit strategies form an integral part of the plan.

In addition, FÁS has developed three FETAC Major Awards, two at level 3 and one at level 4, designed to meet the training and progression needs of learners who lack basic educational qualifications, participating on Community Services programmes. These awards provide learners with an opportunity to achieve a nationally recognised major award based on their achievements on CE. The new awards also provide a stepping stone to higher levels on the National Qualifications Framework. The flexible format of the awards will allow for the construction of a programme of learning specifically designed to address the learning needs of the individual learner.

The aim of CE still remains as an active labour market programme with the emphasis on progression into employment. FÁS operates the Community Employment Programme at local level in a flexible way in order to meet the needs of the participants and support their progression into employment. Job Initiative (JI) As I announced on the 10th of November 2004, participants on the JI scheme continue to have their contracts renewed. At present, there are about 1,600 participants employed on JI.

In cases of JI participants leaving schemes, where there is local agreement between all parties concerned, Community Employment participants on existing schemes in the locality will be made available to the JI scheme concerned. This promotes a continuation in the levels of service to those seeking employment programme places, the Community in which they work and the service provided. Management of this process is overseen on a local basis through ongoing discussions between FÁS and Sponsor Organisations.

The funding of CE and JI is included in the National Development Plan Sub-Programme for Activation and Participation of groups Outside the Workforce. The CE and JI programmes are also included in the Access to Employment Section of the People of Working component of Towards 2016.

Pension Provisions.

Paudge Connolly

Question:

609 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will ensure an adequate income for older women by increasing pensions in line with inflation and increasing the living alone allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14134/07]

Since taking office this Government has made the needs of older people a priority with the inclusion of several commitments in the Programme for Government aimed specifically at the group. I am very pleased to say that we have delivered on the commitment to increase the State pension (non-contributory) to €200 per week by 2007. The State pension (contributory) has passed this mark and now stands at €209.30 per week. Pension increases have been well ahead of inflation thus ensuring that not only is the real value of pensions maintained but that they are significantly improved in real terms. For instance, since 1996, and including the Budget increases, pensions have increased by almost 119% or about 57% in real terms.

The living alone increase is an additional payment of €7.70 per week made to people aged 66 years or over who are in receipt of certain social welfare payments and who are living alone. It is also available to people who are under 66 years of age who are living alone and who receive payments under one of a number of invalidity type schemes. The increase is intended as a contribution towards the additional costs people face when they live alone.

The policy in relation to support for pensioners has been, for many years, to give priority to increasing the personal rates of pension rather than focusing on payments such as the living alone increase. This approach ensures that resources are used to improve the position of all pensioners and is subject to regular review. It was decided in the context of Budget 2007 to continue this policy with maximum increases of €16 and €18 per week granted to contributory and non-contributory pensioners respectively.

Analysis undertaken in my Department in relation to women of pension age indicates that about 88% of this group receive support through the social welfare system in their own right or as a qualified adult on the pension of their spouse or partner. The Government are committed to raising the qualified adult increase for the spouses and partners (age 66 or over) of contributory pensioners to the level of the state pension (non-contributory). To this end, Budget 2007 provided for an increase of €23.70 per week in the qualified adult payment where the qualified adult is aged 66 or over, bringing it up to a maximum rate of €173 per week. It is my intention to complete the process of aligning the rates in question within three years.

For many years now, the Government has been anxious to ensure that as many people as possible should qualify for pensions in their own right. In this regard, qualifying conditions for contributory pensions have been eased and special pensions such as the pre-53 pensions have been introduced. Those qualifying for contributory pensions are not subject to a means test. In the last two Budgets a particular emphasis has been placed on non-contributory pensions, with significant improvements in the means test and a higher rate of increase being granted than that given on the contributory side. These improvements are of particular benefit to older women who make up the majority of recipients of non-contributory pensions.

As the House is aware, the Government is committed to producing a Green Paper on pensions as part of the social partnership agreement Towards 2016. The Green Paper will include a discussion of all aspects of our pension system including the contribution of social welfare pensions to ensuring an adequate income for older people in retirement, which is at the same time sustainable in the long-term. Following the publication of the Green Paper a consultation process will then take place and the Government will respond to this by publishing a framework for future pensions policy.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Pat Breen

Question:

610 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason rent supplement for a person (details supplied) in County Clare has ceased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14415/07]

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes rent supplement, is administered on my behalf by the Community Welfare Division of the Health Service Executive. The Executive has advised that as part of a routine review, it had suspended payment of rent supplement on the grounds that it had not received from the person concerned the documentation required to allow it to determine continued entitlement. The Executive has further advised that, following receipt of the required documentation, it has now re-instated payment of rent supplement to the person concerned at the level previously in payment and back-dated to the date from which it had been suspended.

Pension Provisions.

Seán Ardagh

Question:

611 Mr. Ardagh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will amend the Self Employment Pension Act 1988 to allow citizens over the age of 80 years receive a full contributory pension regardless of the number of contributions made (details supplied). [15134/07]

In order to qualify for the maximum rate of the state pension (contributory) a person must, amongst other qualifying conditions, achieve a yearly average of at least 48 contributions paid or credited on his/her social insurance record. I am anxious to ensure that as many people as possible can qualify for a contributory pension and, in this regard, the range of reduced payments has been expanded over the years so that more people can receive a payment. Reduced pensions are paid to those with yearly averages as low as 10 contributions. Arrangements are also in place for the payment of pro-rata pensions to those with mixed rate insurance records, contributions from other EU member States or from countries with which Ireland has a reciprocal agreement, and a number of special pensions such as the pre-53 pension are also available.

The rates of reduced pension are determined by the number of contributions paid. The level of pension payable is generally set as a percentage of the maximum payment. The person concerned is in receipt of a standard, half-rate state pension (contributory) based on a yearly average of between 10 and 14 social insurance contributions. The forthcoming Green Paper on pensions will include a discussion of all aspects of our pension system including the contribution that social welfare pensions can make to ensuring an adequate income for older people in retirement which is at the same time sustainable in the long-term. The Green Paper will be published following Government consideration of the issues involved and following its publication, a consultation process will take place to which Government will respond by publishing a framework for future pensions policy.

Work Permits.

Finian McGrath

Question:

612 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will reconsider the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; if they will be granted a PPS number; if they will be supported on his matter. [15139/07]

There is no record of an application for a PPS Number having been accepted from the person concerned. She should call to her Local Social Welfare Office, where the issuing of a PPS Number in her case will be explored in detail and the requirements explained to her.

Family Support Services.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

613 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason his Department has helped establish a new family resource centre in Raphoe, County Donegal where a community resource centre already exists (details supplied); the further reason funding from his Department has been redirected from the community resource centre to a private landlord in view of the fact that his Department helped to purchase the house for the centre. [15381/07]

Raphoe Family Resource Centre (FRC) was established in 2002 under the Family & Community Services Resource Centre Programme and continues to be funded under the programme by the Family Support Agency. The aim of a Family Resource Centre is essentially to help combat disadvantage by supporting the functioning of the family unit. Centres provide services for lone parent families, young mothers and others considered in need of extra support. They can act as a first step to community participation and social inclusion. As with all Family Resource Centres, Raphoe FRC is run by a voluntary management committee made up of people from the local community.

On its establishment, Raphoe FRC moved into a community centre in Raphoe. This building had previously been purchased for community use with the support of a once-off grant from my Department, so that the building could become a resource for the people of Raphoe. The centre is also used by a number of other community groups. Recently however, the management committee of the Raphoe FRC decided that a move to dedicated premises would be beneficial for the work of the FRC.

I understand that this decision was based on a number of criteria including lack of space for staff, the need for accessibility for wheelchair users and the opportunity to provide an increased range of programmes and courses for the community as a whole. Although Raphoe FRC has moved to new premises, the community centre continues to be a resource for the people of Raphoe and indeed I have been informed that the FRC has asked the community centre if it can continue to hire out rooms for the provision of some of its services. This request is under consideration by the board of the community centre.

Social Welfare Code.

Richard Bruton

Question:

614 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when the maximum limit in secondary earnings of €120 per week was set for people on disability allowance; and his views on raising it in line with intervening changes in the minimum wage. [14151/07]

The earnings disregard for those in receipt of Disability Allowance engaging in rehabilitative employment has been increased on a number of occasions since the transfer of the then Disabled Person's Maintenance Allowance (DPMA) from the Health Boards to my Department as Disability Allowance in 1996. At that time the disregard was £35.20 (equivalent to €44.69), increased to £36.30 (€46.09) from June 1997 and to £50 (€63.49) from 3 June 1998. It was then increased to £75 (€95.23) from 5 April 2000 and to its current level of €120 from April 2000.

Prior to June last year, once a person exceeded earnings of €120 per week, payment of their Disability Allowance was withdrawn on a euro for euro basis. In order to improve the employment incentives for people of working age and, as part of the Social Welfare Budget package, 2006, I introduced a new withdrawal rate of Disability Allowance, effective from 1 June 2006. This change means that, for earnings above €120 and under €350 per week, Disability Allowance is now withdrawn at 50 cents for every euro earned, rather than the previous euro for euro withdrawal. In practice, this means that a single person can earn up to €420 per week before their Disability Allowance fully ceases, compared with the previous amount of €240 per week. The policy in relation to supporting employment incentives for people with disabilities will continue to be kept under review in my Department and any further changes will be considered within the wider budgetary context.

Ministerial Staff.

Phil Hogan

Question:

615 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the names, titles, duties and dates of appointment of each of the special advisers, political advisers, personal assistants and press officers appointed by him; the salary level of each appointee including payments in lieu of pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14210/07]

I have appointed, on a contract basis for my term of office, a Press Adviser, Mr. Tom Rowley, and a Special Adviser, Mr. Frank Lahiffe. The duties carried out by the Press Adviser and Special Adviser are as set out in Section 11 of the Public Service Management Act, 1997 i.e. to assist the Minister by providing advice, on a wide range of issues, by monitoring, facilitating and securing the achievement of Government objectives that relate to my Department and by performing such other functions as may be directed by me. The Press Adviser is on a personal salary of €106,670 together with a private pension contribution of 11% of salary. The Special Adviser is on a Principal Officer pay scale of up to €93,493.

I have also appointed, on a contract basis for my term of office, two non-established civil servants, a Personal Secretary, Ms. Mary Browne, and a Personal Assistant, Mr. Bobby Holland. The annual salary for my Personal Secretary is €41,736. My Personal Assistant is on secondment from the Department of Education and Science. That Department will recoup from my Department on an annual basis the cost of a replacement teacher's salary, allowances, PRSI contributions and superannuation contributions. This will be in the region of €44,800. In each instance the appointments are effective from 30th September 2004.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Michael Ring

Question:

616 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo is not being granted the full rate of CDA for their three children. [14251/07]

The person concerned made an application for jobseeker's allowance on 23 February 2007. She was awarded jobseeker's allowance in respect of herself and qualified child dependants. As her spouse's income is in excess of the current cut-off point of €280.00 per week for full rate qualified child allowance, she is entitled to a half rate qualified child payment. Her weekly jobseeker's allowance payment of €60.80 includes payment of €11.00 in respect of each of her three children.

If the person is dissatisfied with this decision, it is open to her to appeal this decision and a form for this purpose has been issued to her. Under Social Welfare legislation decisions in relation to claims must be made by Deciding Officers and Appeals Officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.

Social Welfare Code.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

617 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the proposals he has to pay arrears of half rate carer’s allowance which is due to be introduced for those already in receipt of a pension from September 2007 back to January 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14313/07]

In the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2007 I have provided for new arrangements whereby people in receipt of a social welfare payment, who are also providing full time care and attention, will be able to retain their main welfare payment and receive another payment, depending on their means, the maximum of which will be equivalent to a half rate carer's allowance. A person currently in receipt of a carer's allowance, who may have an underlying entitlement to another social welfare payment, will be able to transfer to that payment and receive up to a half rate carer's allowance.

These new arrangements will apply to almost all weekly social welfare payments including state pension contributory and non-contributory and to people in receipt of qualified adult allowances. Recipients of jobseeker's allowance or benefit will not be eligible for the new arrangements, given the nature of these payments. This is in line with the arrangements which currently apply to receipt of the respite care grant. It is estimated that approximately 18,000 carers will benefit from this measure at cost of some €57 million in a full year.

There are significant administrative issues which must be addressed before such a reform can be implemented. The new arrangements will apply from September 2007 and financial provision has been made on that basis. As such, no arrears will be due. Towards 2016 commits the Government to continuing to review the scope for further development of the carer's allowance, carer's benefit and the respite care grant. I am committed to working for, and with, carers to deliver increased benefits, supports, and services for them and their families.

Pension Provisions.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

618 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will raise the rate of contributory old age pension to the level of the minimum wage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14314/07]

Since taking office this Government has made the needs of older people a priority with the inclusion of several commitments in the Programme for Government aimed specifically at this group. I am very pleased to say that we have delivered on the most recent of these commitments which was to increase the state pension (non-contributory) to €200 per week by 2007. The State pension (contributory) has passed this mark and now stands at €209.30 per week. Pension increases have been well ahead of inflation thus ensuring that pensions are significantly improved in real terms. Since 1996, and including the Budget increases, pensions have increased by almost 119% or about 57% in real terms.

The estimated cost of increasing all weekly contributory payments to pensioners to the level of the minimum wage of €8.30 per hour is €2,103 million in a full year. This includes the cost of increasing payments to qualified adults to maintain their current proportionate relationship to the personal weekly rates of payment. I am determined that we will build on the success achieved in this area and, as part of the social partnership agreement Towards 2016, the Government have agreed to work with the social partners over a ten-year period to enhance pension provision and income supports generally. This will include further enhancements of social welfare pensions over the period and a commitment to build on the now achieved 2007 target of €200 per week.

The forthcoming Green Paper on pensions will include a discussion of all aspects of our pension system including the contribution of social welfare pensions to ensure an adequate income for older people in retirement, which is at the same time sustainable in the long-term. Following the publication of the Green Paper, a consultation process will then take place and the Government will respond to this by publishing a framework for future pensions policy.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

619 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason supplementary welfare benefit was not granted in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14342/07]

The supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme is administered on behalf of my Department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive. The Executive's Community Welfare Officer (CWO) dealing with this case has advised that the person concerned applied for Illness Benefit in January 2007. However, the application was refused as she did not satisfy the conditions of the scheme. The person concerned contacted the CWO in February 2007 to apply for basic supplementary welfare allowance. The CWO advised the person concerned of the scheme conditions and asked that supporting documentation be provided with an application in order that her claim could be assessed. To date no application has been received by the Executive from the person concerned.

Social Welfare Code.

Jack Wall

Question:

620 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if consideration is being given to increasing disability allowance payments for participants of the national network learning scheme in view of the fact that the participants receive only €31.80 per five day week for a 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14397/07]

A person in receipt of Disability Allowance who engages in employment or training of a rehabilitative nature, such as those participating in the National Learning Network Scheme, may avail of a disregard of the first €120 per week of their income for the purpose of assessment of means for the Disability Allowance scheme. Prior to June last year, once a person exceeded earnings of €120 per week, payment of their Disability Allowance was withdrawn on a euro for euro basis.

In order to improve the employment incentives for people of working age and, as part of the Social Welfare Budget package, 2006, I introduced a new withdrawal rate of Disability Allowance, effective from 1 June 2006. This change means that, for earnings above €120 and under €350 per week, Disability Allowance is now withdrawn at 50 cents for every euro earned, rather than the previous euro for euro withdrawal. In practice, this means that a single person can earn up to €420 per week before their Disability Allowance fully ceases, compared with the previous amount of €240 per week. For those participating in the National Learning Network scheme with income as indicated of €159 per week, this means that the first €120 of this income is completely disregarded and only 50% of the remaining €39 is assessable as means.

The policy in relation to supporting employment incentives for people with disabilities will continue to be kept under review in my Department and any further changes will be considered within the wider budgetary context.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Michael Ring

Question:

621 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and awarded farm assist. [14433/07]

The person concerned applied for farm assist on 3 April 2007. His details have been forwarded to a Social Welfare Inspector for investigation. On completion of enquiries a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified of the outcome. Under Social Welfare legislation decisions in relation to claims must be made by Deciding Officers and Appeals Officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.

Departmental Offices.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

622 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to complaints that it is difficult for members of the public to obtain information regarding the opening hours of local social welfare offices, as some offices do not have automated voice mail systems to provide this information out of hours and the information is not available on his Department’s website; if he will take steps to rectify this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14480/07]

My Department's website www.welfare.ie contains a list of every Local and Branch Office together with their address, telephone number and opening and closing times. This detailed listing can be found under the section entitled ‘Contact Us’ which appears on the Home Page. My Department endeavours to ensure that customers who make contact by telephone speak directly to a telephonist or an officer. Therefore, my Department uses limited pre-recorded oral announcements in the delivery of its schemes and services and these are confined to LoCall numbers. After hours recorded messages are not currently available for individual Local and Branch Offices.

Social Welfare Benefits.

John Perry

Question:

623 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the financial assistance available to a person (details supplied) in County Sligo towards their rent payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14486/07]

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes rent supplement, is administered on my behalf by the Community Welfare Division of the Health Service Executive. The objective of rent supplement is to provide short-term income support to assist with reasonable accommodation costs of an eligible person living in private rented accommodation who is unable to provide for his or her accommodation costs from within his or her own resources and who does not have accommodation available from any other source. One of the conditions for receipt of rent supplement is that the applicant must be deemed to have a genuine housing need which cannot be met from any other source.

The Executive has advised that, according to its records, it has not received an application for rent supplement from the person concerned. If the person concerned wishes to enquire as to their possible entitlement to rent supplement, they should contact the Executive who will advise them accordingly.

Enda Kenny

Question:

624 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) in Dublin 16 is excluded from the non-contributory State pension despite being of pension age and is excluded under the Social Welfare Act 1908; his plans to amend this legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14521/07]

The State Pension (Non-Contributory) is a means tested payment for people aged 66 and over which was introduced in September 2006 to replace the Old Age Pension. All income including cash income, private pensions, foreign pensions, the value of any property (excluding the claimant's own home) and the value of any investments and capital which the claimant may have is assessable as means for the purposes of the State Pension Non-Contributory. The means of the spouse or partner living with the pensioner are also taken into account.

The person concerned applied for an Old Age Non Contributory Pension in January 2006. An assessment of the person's means was determined by a Social Welfare Inspector in February 2006. A Deciding Officer's decision dated the 8th of March 2006 found that the customer was not entitled to Old Age Non-Contributory Pension as her means, assessed at €364 per week, exceeded the then statutory limit of €185.10 per week. Currently the weekly means limit stands at €227.50.

In March 2006 the person was informed of the decision and of her right of appeal if she was not satisfied. She appealed the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office and the Appeals Officer having considered evidence from the claimant, disallowed the appeal in May 2006. Subsequently the customer lodged a complaint with the Equality Tribunal alleging discrimination under the Equal Status Acts 2000 to 2004. The case was referred for mediation and a hearing took place on the 5th of February 2007. On completion of the hearing, the Equality Mediation Officer stated that the customer's entitlement had been decided in compliance with the law and as such the case could not be resolved through mediation. The complainant was given the opportunity to make application for resumption of the case but failed to do so within the stipulated 28 day period.

As the Deputy may be aware the Government is committed to publishing a Green Paper on pensions and this will be done in the near future. The Green Paper will set out the issues and challenges faced by our pensions system with a view to establishing a framework for future pensions policy. The position of older people who are not at present receiving any pension support through the social welfare system will be discussed in the Green Paper and decisions made with regard to their position in the context of the development of the framework for future policy in this area.

Departmental Offices.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

625 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs: 1. The telephone can often ring out unanswered. One of the reasons given is that they have a meeting one morning every week and during this time the telephones go unanswered or the office was not open or was closed. There should be some cover provided at this time. 2. If a voice-mail could be left on the telephone detailing hours of business this would greatly improve matters. 3. There is a form available for complaints but it requests personal information which acts as a disincentive to making a complaint. [14546/07]

The normal opening hours in Finglas Local Office are 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. but the office is closed to the public from 9.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. every Thursday morning for staff training, meetings and briefing sessions. Signs to this effect are on prominent display in the Local Office. These weekly meetings are essential to ensure staff receive regular training and are fully briefed so as to provide a quality service to customers.

83% of the 2,912 phone calls received in Finglas Local Office between 5/3/07 and 1/4/07 were answered. 17% of these calls hung up before their call was taken and it is likely that some of the unanswered phone calls occur during the time the office is closed. My Department is currently examining the use of voice-mail and other options for the network of offices throughout the country as a way to enhance customer service.

The Comments and Complaints form requests the customer's name, address, PPS Number, details of the issue, as well as the name of the office. The form also requests the customer's phone number if the customer would be happy for the Department to contact him/her by phone. This information speeds up the handling of the issue raised. There is no obligation on anyone to provide personal information when completing a Comments or Complaints form, though the experience generally is that completion of such a form requires follow up action by the Department and it is useful in this connection if the person can be contacted directly.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

626 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if arrears of invalidity pension backdated to 2001 when they first suffered a stroke, are payable in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14643/07]

The person concerned was in receipt of a disability allowance from September 2001. In June 2006 he applied for and was awarded an invalidity pension. It subsequently transpired that, in this case, the pension was awarded in error. A decision was made to disallow his invalidity pension and to resume his disability allowance claim. The person concerned appealed the decision and following a review of the case an Appeals Officer upheld the disallowance decision. The person concerned, continues to be entitled to disability allowance which is in payment at the maximum personal rate.

Health and Safety Issues.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

627 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the plight of a number of former miners in the Slieveardagh coalfields in north Tipperary who have suffered significant damage to their health arising from their employment; his views on the establishment of a compensation scheme for such miners similar to that operating in the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14644/07]

The compensation scheme to which the Deputy refers is operated by the UK Department of Trade and Industry and is not part of the UK social security system. I understand that the scheme was put in place in response to that state's role as an employer. Prior to privatisation in the 1980s, virtually all coal mines in the UK were owned by the British Coal Corporation (BCC) and the State was in effect the employer. The UK Department of Trade and Industry assumed all the liabilities of the BCC in 1998 and has been operating compensation schemes for respiratory and other illnesses contracted by miners. Those schemes are now closed.

In Ireland disablement benefit, payable under the Occupational Injuries Benefit (OIB) scheme, is a compensation payment for loss of faculty arising out of or in the course of insurable employment. The legislation governing the OIB scheme provides entitlement to benefit for persons suffering from certain prescribed diseases which are listed in the legislation and where that person has contracted that disease in the course of their employment. Where a person has contracted one of the diseases listed in the legislation, benefits are payable if they were employed in an occupation which is specifically prescribed in relation to that disease. In addition, benefits may be payable if the claimant can show that the disease was contracted through an employment not specifically prescribed in relation to that disease.

Miners who contracted the prescribed disease pneumoconiosis are entitled to disablement benefit. Persons claiming OIB in cases of pneumoconiosis are referred to a Consultant Respiratory Physician in the first instance for an examination and report. This examination consists of a clinical assessment and pulmonary function testing. The latter is a standardised test that will establish the extent of lung malfunction irrespective of the specific medical condition giving rise to that malfunction. Disablement benefit is awarded on the basis of the consultant's objective report, including the Pulmonary Function Test results. There are currently 19 miners in receipt of disablement benefit in respect of pneumoconiosis, 7 of whom were former Ballingary/ Slieveardagh miners.

Question No. 628 withdrawn.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Michael Ring

Question:

629 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and granted the one parent family allowance. [14647/07]

The person concerned applied for one-parent family payment on 23 November 2006. She was requested to provide certain documentation when she made her application and again more recently. On receipt of the required documentation a decision will be made without delay and the person concerned will be notified of the outcome. In the meantime payment of jobseeker's benefit at the weekly rate of €207.80 is being made to her. Under Social Welfare legislation decisions in relation to claims must be made by Deciding Officers and Appeals Officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.

Social Welfare Code.

Dan Neville

Question:

630 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his plans to credit those who leave work to rear a family and then resume PRSI contributions in view of the fact that people in these circumstances are not eligible for full contributory pension. [14650/07]

The social welfare pension rights of those who take time out of the workforce for caring duties are protected by the home-maker's scheme which was introduced in and took effect from 1994. The scheme allows time spent caring for children up to 12 years of age or incapacitated adults to be disregarded when a person's social insurance record is being averaged for pension purposes. A maximum of 20 years can be disregarded in this way.

For any year to be disregarded, a homemaker must be out of the workforce for a complete year (52 weeks). Provision is also made for the award of credited contributions in the year in which a person commences or ceases to be a homemaker. The homemaker's scheme will not of itself qualify a person for a pension. The standard qualifying conditions, which require a person to enter insurance 10 years before pension age, pay a minimum of 260 contributions at the correct rate and achieve a yearly average of at least 10 contributions on their record from the time they enter insurance until they reach pension age, must also be satisfied.

Possible reforms to the scheme, including the question of providing cover for periods spent caring before 1994 and changing the disregard system to actual credited contributions, will be discussed in the forthcoming Green Paper on pensions. Decisions on the future of the scheme will be made in the context of the consultation process and the framing of long-term pensions policy, which will follow the publication of the Green Paper.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

631 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will reconsider the case of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; his views on whether contrary to Parliamentary Question No. 435 of 3 April 2007, these documents prove it is a very different matter and if he will deal with the matter in hand, as this person had to leave their former address for their own health and safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14729/07]

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes rent supplement, is administered on my behalf by the Community Welfare Division of the Health Service Executive. Owing to a communications error, the appeal submitted on behalf of the person concerned last January was overlooked. This is very much regretted. The Health Service Executive has advised that it is preparing the required documentation for submission to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. The case will be dealt with as a matter of urgency when the required documentation is received.

Social Welfare Code.

Pat Carey

Question:

632 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his Department will adopt a more flexible approach to the minimum number of hours people on disability payments are allowed to work on back to work schemes as most can do approximately eight hours per week; if the €120 per week which they are allowed to earn will be index linked in line with inflation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14806/07]

The earnings disregard for those in receipt of Disability Allowance engaging in rehabilitative employment has been increased on a number of occasions since the transfer of the then Disabled Person's Maintenance Allowance (DPMA) from the Health Boards to my Department as Disability Allowance in 1996. At that time the disregard was £35.20 (equivalent to €44.69), increased to £36.30 (€46.09) from June 1997 and to £50 (€63.49) from 3 June 1998. It was then increased to £75 (€95.23) from 5 April 2000 and to its current level of €120 from April 2000. Prior to June last year, once a person exceeded earnings of €120 per week, payment of their Disability Allowance was withdrawn on a euro for euro basis.

In order to improve the employment incentives for people of working age and, as part of the Social Welfare Budget package, 2006, I introduced a new lower withdrawal rate of Disability Allowance, effective from 1 June 2006. This change means that, for earnings above €120 and under €350 per week, Disability Allowance is now withdrawn at 50 cents for every euro earned, rather than the previous euro for euro withdrawal. In practice, this means that a single person can earn up to €420 per week before their Disability Allowance fully ceases, compared with the previous amount of €240 per week.

The policy in relation to supporting employment incentives for people with disabilities will continue to be kept under review in my Department and any further changes will be considered within the wider budgetary context.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

633 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his proposals to extend the payment of fuel allowance throughout the whole year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14831/07]

The national fuel scheme assists householders on long-term social welfare or health service executive (HSE) payments with meeting the cost of their heating needs during the winter season. Fuel allowances are paid for 29 weeks from end-September to mid-April and are included in the recipient's weekly payment during this period. The allowance represents a contribution towards a person's normal heating expenses. It is not intended to meet those costs in full.

The fuel allowance scheme has been improved and expanded over recent years. The range of improvements made to the scheme in recent years including an easing of the means test, extending the duration of payment from 26 to 29 weeks and an increase of €5 in the rate of payment in the 2006 Budget. In Budget 2007, I have provided for a number of further improvements in the fuel allowance scheme. These comprise an increase in the weekly rate of fuel allowance of €4 from €14 to €18 (€21.90 in designated smokeless areas) and an increase in the income threshold for eligibility to fuel allowance by €49 from €51 to €100 above the state pension (contributory) rate.

Some 274,000 people benefited from the fuel allowance in 2006 at an estimated annual cost of €125.1m. As a consequence of the increase in rate and the increase in the income threshold for eligibility as announced in the recent Budget, annual expenditure on the scheme in 2007 will increase by an estimated €36.4 million. The total annual cost in 2007 is estimated at €161.5m.

Fuel allowances are incorporated in the recipient's weekly social welfare payment. The Government's objective is to ensure that the recipient's total weekly income, including the fuel allowance, is sufficient to meet all of their income needs, including heating costs. Budget resources are concentrated on providing significant real increases over and above inflation each year in all primary social welfare pension, benefit and assistance rates. The increases of €16 and €18 per week in the rates of payment for contributory and non-contributory pensions respectively announced in the recent budget is a continuation of this policy.

This is a more costly approach than increasing fuel allowances as the increase is paid for the full year and not just for the 29 weeks of the winter heating season. This approach delivers a better outcome for pensioners and others by substantially increasing their income in real terms over the whole year, to better assist them in meeting their normal basic living costs, including heating. This approach has been very effective in delivering substantial real increases to long-term social welfare recipients. For example, the combined value of the State Pension (non-contributory) and fuel allowance has increases by more than 70% since December 2001 while cumulative inflation since then was less than 20%.

Any further extensions or improvements to the fuel allowance, such as extending the duration of the scheme, would have significant cost implications and would have to be considered in a Budget context and in the light of alternative approach to improvements in social welfare generally.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

634 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if an applicant for rent allowance is entitled to a rent supplement if they are renting a house owned but not occupied by a sibling. [14835/07]

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes rent supplement, is administered on my behalf by the Community Welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE). The purpose of the scheme is to provide short-term income support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. Eligibility is confined to those who are in receipt of a social welfare or HSE payment. Specific exclusions relate to applicants and spouses in full-time employment, those engaged in certain courses of study and those involved in trade disputes.

A person is not excluded from applying for rent supplement where the accommodation is owned by a family member. Each application would be decided by the HSE on its own merits and in accordance with the rules governing the scheme. One of the requirements for entitlement to rent supplement is that a bona fide tenancy must exist. The proof required may include registration of the tenancy with Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB), Landlord income tax records, a lease agreement or rent book. Neither I nor my Department has any function in relation to decisions on individual claims.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Michael Ring

Question:

635 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of appeals currently outstanding in each category of social welfare payment on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14978/07]

Statistics on the numbers of appeals outstanding in each category of social welfare payment are not held on a county basis. On 31 March 2007 there were a total of 5,624 appeals outstanding on a national basis. Details are not maintained on a county basis. A breakdown of those cases by scheme type is given in the table.

Work is in progress in these cases at the various stages of the appeals process. 2,884 are receiving attention in the Appeals office, 2,322 are in my Department for further enquiry while 418 cases are awaiting responses from appellants. The social welfare appeals system is a quasi-judicial one and the procedures in place for determining appeals are designed to ensure that each case receives full and satisfactory consideration. While improving processing times remains a major objective of the Social Welfare Appeals Office, it is necessary at all times to ensure that progress in this regard is achieved in a manner which is not in conflict with the demands of justice and the requirement that every appeal be fully investigated and examined on all its merits.

Number of Appeals on hand at 31 March 2007

Scheme Type

Appeals on Hand

Adoptive benefit

1

Blind Pension

9

Carers Allowance

290

Carers Benefit

11

Child Benefit

94

Disability Allowance

1,263

Disability Benefit

1,038

Deserted Wives Allowance

1

Deserted Wives Benefit

9

Farm Assist

29

Bereavement Grant

13

Family Income Supplement

30

Homemakers

1

Invalidity Pension(s)

269

Lone Parents

13

Liable Relative

1

Maternity Benefit

7

Old Age Contributory Pension

81

Old Age Non-Contributory Pension

180

Occupational Injury Benefit

34

Disablement Benefit

235

Occupational Injury Medical

16

Orphans Contributory Pension

5

One Parent Family Payment

368

Orphans Non-Contributory Pension

3

Pre-Retirement Allowance

6

Unemployment Assistance (Means)

366

Respite Care Grant

151

Retirement Pension

26

SCOPE (Insurability of Employment)

75

Supplementary Welfare Allowance

37

Treatment Benefit

3

Unemployment Assistance

619

Unemployment Payments Overpayments

38

Unemployment Benefit

266

Unemployability Supplement

10

Widows Contributory Pension

12

Widows Non-Contributory Pension

14

Total

5,624

Michael Ring

Question:

636 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a further appeal was heard in relation to a claim for carer’s allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and the outcome of this appeal. [15031/07]

The person concerned appealed to the Social Welfare Appeals Office against the decision to disallow an application for carers allowance. Having considered all the available evidence, including that adduced at an oral hearing, the Appeals Officer decided that the person being cared for was not so incapacitated as to require full time care and attention and disallowed the appeal.

The person subsequently furnished a further medical submission for consideration by the Appeals Officer. Having sought the views of the Chief Medical Adviser, the Appeals Officer determined that this information did not constitute new evidence which had not already been supplied. In the light of this, the Appeals Officer considers that there is no new evidence and that, as the appellant has already been afforded an oral hearing, a further oral hearing would not serve any useful purpose.

Under Social Welfare Legislation decisions in relation to claims must be made by Deciding Officers and Appeals Officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.

Michael Ring

Question:

637 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a carer’s allowance appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be finalised in view of the serious and chronic illness of the care recipient. [15032/07]

I have nothing further to add to the reply given on 3 April 2007. The oral appeal hearing will be held in this case as soon as it can be accommodated. The person concerned will be informed when arrangements have been made. Under social welfare legislation decisions in relation to claims must be made by Deciding Officers and Appeals Officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Michael Ring

Question:

638 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and granted the household benefits package. [15036/07]

The person concerned applied for the household benefits package on 13 April, 2007. The claim was refused as the conditions of the scheme were not satisfied. A person in receipt of a non contributory pension who is under age 66, may qualify for the household benefits package if his/her late spouse was at the time of his/her death in receipt of the package. The person concerned is under age 66. As her late husband was not in receipt of the household benefits package at the time of his death she has no entitlement to the package.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

639 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason restriction of free supplementary rent allowance has not been made in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15051/07]

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes rent supplement, is administered on my behalf by the Community Welfare division of the Health Service Executive. Neither I nor my department have any function in relation to decisions on individual claims. The Health Service Executive has been contacted and has confirmed that payment of rent supplement was suspended for the period the person concerned was absent from the State. The executive also confirms that it is reviewing the claim of the person concerned and will notify her of its decision shortly.

Michael Ring

Question:

640 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason the unemployment payment to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo was changed in view of the fact that they are only working for a limited number of hours each week; and the further reason they can not continue receiving unemployment benefit for the days they are not working. [15164/07]

Michael Ring

Question:

641 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo is entitled to sign on for credits following their refusal for an unemployment payment. [15165/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 640 and 641 together.

The person concerned had been in receipt of jobseeker's benefit at the weekly rate of €185.80. Her jobseeker's benefit exhausted on 15 February 2007. On receipt of a new claim a Deciding Officer, having examined her work pattern, determined that her normal level of employment was 3 days per week and that she has not sustained a loss of employment. Consequently she is not entitled to jobseeker's benefit. Based on her current work pattern, the person concerned would be entitled to a paid PRSI contribution each week. Therefore, the need for credited contributions does not arise.

It is open to the person concerned to appeal the Deciding Officer's decision and a form for this purpose has been issued to her. Under Social Welfare legislation decisions in relation to claims must be made by Deciding Officers and Appeals Officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.

Marine Accidents.

Finian McGrath

Question:

642 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Transport if he will make arrangements to have the Pere Charles fishing trawler lifted from the seabed off the Waterford coast. [14141/07]

Martin Ferris

Question:

654 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Transport if he will initiate procedures to raise the Pere Charles and the Honeydew vessels. [14369/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 642 and 654 together.

My colleague, Martin Cullen TD, Minister for Transport, and I have had discussions with many of the families of those involved in recent tragedies. We announced yesterday that a request will be issued shortly at EU level seeking tenders on the raising of both the Pere Charles and the Maggie B. We have also requested our colleague, the Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea, TD, to arrange for divers from the Naval Service to again inspect both vessels to establish their present condition and to provide data that will assist in the tender process. As the Honeydew II is a wooden vessel it is not proposed to raise it.

We expect this process will help confirm the adequacy of the processes in place following tragedies and also hope that it will bring some comfort to grief stricken families.

Rural Transport Services.

Jack Wall

Question:

643 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Transport the input his Department has in regard to organising funding and determining routes and so on for the rural transport initiative; the amount of funding his Department supplies to the scheme; the way this amount is determined; the way the committee or executive is determined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14274/07]

Jack Wall

Question:

646 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Transport if he will seek or provide the necessary funding to include an area (details supplied) in County Kildare on the routes of the rural transport initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14128/07]

Jack Wall

Question:

650 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has an input into determining routes for the rural transport initiative; the funding his Department provides to the scheme; the way the organisation of the scheme is determined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14273/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 643, 646 and 650 together.

Last February, I announced the arrangements for a new Rural Transport Programme (RTP). This new Programme builds on the success of the pilot Rural Transport Initiative (2000-2006) and puts it on a permanent mainstreamed basis with significantly increased funding. In line with Towards 2106 — the new Social Partnership Agreement, the Government has made available some €9 million for the Rural Transport Programme in 2007; this compares with €4.5 million in 2005. The National Development Plan 2007-2013 — Transforming Ireland, commits some €90 million to the Rural Transport Programme over its full term.

Pobal administers the RTP on behalf of my Department and makes specific allocations to individual RTP groups from funding provided by my Department. Neither I, nor my Department have any function in relation to specific allocations to individual groups. However, I have asked Pobal to work closely with the RTP groups to maximise the impact of the funding through, among other things, increased service provision and wider area coverage. Similarly, the RTP groups, working with Pobal, are solely responsible for deciding on the specific services to be provided and the methods of provision.

Road Network.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

644 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if a post-ante analysis of the cost of the construction of the Dublin Port tunnel has been conducted; if not, when this will be conducted and published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14659/07]

As the Deputy is aware, the planning, design and implementation of national road improvement projects including the Dublin Port Tunnel, is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) and the local authorities concerned. This includes the carrying out of ex-ante and ex-post analyses for such projects.

Marian Harkin

Question:

645 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Transport if the N16 will be prioritised as a project for TENS funding at EU level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14123/07]

I understand that the EU Commission will issue a "call for proposals" for TENS funding shortly. The full range of possibilities for submission of projects and proposals for TENS funding will be considered at that stage.

Question No. 646 answered with QuestionNo. 643.

Ministerial Staff.

Phil Hogan

Question:

647 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Transport the names, titles, duties and dates of appointment of each of the special advisers, political advisers, personal assistants and press officers appointed by him; the salary level of each appointee including payments in lieu of pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14212/07]

Following is the information requested by the Deputy.

Name: Michelle Hoctor

Title: Press Advisor

Duties: Day to day press and media responses

Date of Appointment: 29 September 2006

Salary scale: €66,000

Name: Colin Hunt

Title: Special Advisor

Duties: Providing advice and monitoring, facilitating and securing the achievement of Government objectives that relate to my Department. Mr Hunt is concurrently providing a Special Advisor role to the Department of Finance but is engaged under a single contract of employment by the Department of Transport.

Date of Appointment: 8 November 2004

Salary scale: €157,786

Name: Sean Dower

Title: Personal Assistant

Duties: Research and constituency activities

Date of Appointment: 30 September 2004

Salary scale: €43,445-€55,147

Name: Pat Daly

Title: Constituency Assistant

Duties: Constituency based representations and activities

Date of Appointment: 30 September 2004

Salary scale: €43,445-€55,147

Name: Inez O'Neill

Title: Constituency Secretary

Duties: Normal secretarial duties

Date of Appointment: 30 September 2004

Salary scale: €414.56-€799.85

Rail Network.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

648 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if Irish Rail has confirmed to him that it will open the western rail corridor to Claremorris by 2014 as set out in Transport 21; if this timeline will be met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14216/07]

The reopening of the Western Rail Corridor is being pursued by Iarnród Éireann in line with the timelines set out in the context of Transport 21. The priority at present is the Ennis-Athenry section where work has started, with a view to a 2008 completion. When that section is completed the next section to be worked on and opened will be the Athenry to Tuam section. Thereafter, the final section to be completed will be on to Claremorris.

Aviation Regulations.

Pat Carey

Question:

649 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied that legislation and regulations in relation to the use of civilian helicopter flights are robust enough to take account of the nuisance caused to residential communities by the ever increasing number of such craft; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14225/07]

The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) is responsible for the provision of air traffic management services in Irish controlled airspace and the safety regulation of the Irish civil aviation industry, including the regulation of helicopter operations. Neither I nor my Department has a direct role in this area. The IAA ensures that Irish civil aviation operates to the highest safety standards set internationally.

The IAA has informed me that it acknowledges the recent increase in helicopter activity within Irish airspace and that it is continuing to review existing legislation and operating procedures with a view to ensuring that safety will not be compromised and where possible reducing the environmental impact associated with helicopter operations. Legislation relating to the regulation of helicopter operations can be viewed on the IAA site www.iaa.ie.

As I indicated to the Deputy in response to a previous Question individuals may contact the Authority directly with any concerns regarding safety matters arising from helicopter operations in their areas.

Question No. 650 answered with QuestionNo. 643.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

James Breen

Question:

651 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for Transport his view of the fact that engine manufacturers for large vehicles, both trucks and buses have advanced the designs and taken these new modern engines and exhaust systems up to Euro 4 and 5 standard and the fact that both the haulage and coach and bus businesses have invested large sums to try to reach the targets of Euro 4 and 5 emissions to help these industries reach their targets and in so doing, help Ireland to get a lower emission rating; and if he has plans either by grant aid or by scrappage schemes to help these industries take out all the older vehicles and older less compliant engines and at the same time, to get the newer engines with the necessary conversions to be able to use bio fuels. [14294/07]

The Department of Transport has recently funded a scheme to convert 50 selected vehicles to run on pure plant oil (PPO), which is being carried out under the aegis of the German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce. The cost to the Department is €227,000 and provides for 75% of the cost of engine modification.

This scheme is complementary to the Minerals Oil Tax Relief (MOTR) Scheme II, which aims to place 163 million litres of biofuels on the market at a cost of €200 million, and will help develop a sustainable indigenous network of localized PPO supply chains in Ireland. The scheme is targeted at hauliers or captive fleets maintained by local authorities or public organizations.

In addition, the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (DCMNR) recently mandated obligatory 5% fuel blending by 2009, which will help to achieve the indicative target of 5.75% set out in the Biofuels Directive 2003/30/EC. It is envisaged that the additional 0.75% would be met by higher biodiesel blends of 30% in captive fleets maintained by public transport operators and use of 100% PPO by hauliers and semi-state organizations.

Road Safety.

Pat Carey

Question:

652 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Transport the measures taken by his Department since 2002 to reduce the level of road deaths; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14306/07]

Since 2002 my Department has invested in new, improved and safer roads. The metrication of speed limits was provided for in the Road Traffic Act 2004 and was introduced in January 2005. The Penalty Points system was extended with effect from 3rd April 2006 featuring 35 separate offences with mobile phones added from September and fixed charges now apply to almost 60 offences.

A dedicated Garda Traffic Corps was established. The current strength stands at over 800, with an additional 400 members to be allocated by the end of 2008. Following the introduction of legislation to enable Mandatory Alcohol Testing (MAT), we are beginning to see the results of 30,000 MAT checkpoints monthly and increased levels of enforcement. The new Road Safety Authority (RSA) was vested in September 2006. A new revised Rules of the Road was published by the RSA and launched by me on 21 March 2007. A Ministerial Road Safety Committee meets on a regular basis to progress cross cutting road safety issues.

Measures have been introduced to reduce driving test waiting times, a critical contribution to road safety and improved driver behaviour. Other major proposals identified, such as the plans to establish a system of private sector operation of speed cameras under the auspices of the Gardaí, are well advanced.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is responsible for developing a new Road Safety Strategy for the period 2007-2011. They went out to public consultation in October last year and I understand they have received a substantial number of suggestions and proposals as a result of this process. The RSA also engaged in a process of direct consultation with key stakeholders in December 2006. The volume of submissions received from these processes are being considered by the Authority prior to the finalisation of the new Strategy. When I receive the new Road Safety Strategy I will be submitting it to Government for approval as soon as possible thereafter.

Motor Insurance.

Pat Carey

Question:

653 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that non-Irish national drivers from the new EU countries using roads here carry an insurance cover of €40,000 in the event of an accident when the typical cover for Irish drivers is in the region of €3 million; if this lack of insurance cover poses risks to third parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14307/07]

Under EU Law, all motor policies issued in the EU must cover the minimum compulsory amount in the Member State where the accident occurs. This applies to all vehicles from all EU States. If an Irish citizen is involved in an accident in Ireland, caused by a vehicle registered in another EU Member State, the Irish minimum levels of compulsory motor insurance apply. For personal injury cases, there is unlimited cover in Ireland.

Question No. 654 answered with QuestionNo. 642.

Road Network.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

655 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the value for money or cost benefit analysis that has been carried out in relation to the use of PPPs for the national roads programme; if this information has been published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14653/07]

As the Deputy is aware, the planning, design and implementation of national road improvement projects, is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) and the local authorities concerned. In addition, 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 is vested in the NRA under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended by the Planning and Development Act 2000.)

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

656 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the average cost per kilometre of roads constructed as part of the national roads programme in 2000 and 2006 respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14655/07]

As Minister for Transport I have overall responsibility for policy and funding matters in relation to national roads. Under the Roads Act 1993 the National Roads Authority (NRA) are responsible for the detailed planning, design and implementation of the national roads programme including road scheme cost and value for money related matters.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

657 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the percentage of the cost of the national roads programme which has been financed by PPPs to date; the percentage of the cost of the roads programme which it is estimated will be funded through PPPs; the estimated cost in monetary terms of the national roads programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14656/07]

As the Deputy is aware, the planning, design and implementation of national road improvement projects, is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) and the local authorities concerned. In particular, the allocation of funding in relation to the construction or maintenance of national roads is a matter for the NRA under section 19 of the Roads Act, 1993. In addition, 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 is vested in the NRA under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended by the Planning and Development Act 2000.)

Driving Tests.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

658 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied with the changeover of driving tests from his Department to the Road Safety Authority; [14660/07]

Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority has responsibility for the delivery of the driving test and the issuing of certificates of competency. I am satisfied that the transfer of the driver testing function to the Road Safety Authority will lead to an improved driver testing service.

Public Transport.

Seán Crowe

Question:

659 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the amount it costs Bus Átha Cliath for a modern double decker bus. [14709/07]

Dublin Bus has been asked to forward the information sought to the Deputy.

Motor Insurance.

Pat Carey

Question:

660 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Transport the redress open to a person whose motor vehicle was maliciously damaged by persons unknown to them and who do not have comprehensive car insurance cover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14713/07]

There is no provision for compensation under motor insurance legislation in a case where a vehicle is maliciously damaged by persons unknown and where the vehicle owner does not have comprehensive car insurance cover.

Public Transport.

Seán Crowe

Question:

661 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if, in relation to the routing of circle line buses down Beaver Row, Donnybrook, Dublin 4, there were criteria outlined before the decision was made to route circle line down Beaver Row; the consultation with residents and Dublin City Council that took place before this decision was made; and when this decision was made. [14744/07]

Proposals for the provision of public bus services by private bus operators on specific routes to serve particular areas is an operational matter for the companies themselves. In accordance with the Road Transport Act, 1932, as amended, such operators apply to my Department for licences to operate scheduled bus passenger services within the State. It is a prerequisite to the granting of a licence that the approval of the Garda Síochána is obtained in relation to the position of all bus stops on and along the route. The most recent amendments to the licence held by the company mentioned by the Deputy were made on 26th October 2006.

Rail Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

662 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he has received correspondence from a group (details supplied) in relation to difficulties with punctuality, overcrowding and evening time-gap of trains, parking and access to the station, car parking fees, feeder buses and station facilities on the rail service between Sallins, Naas and Dublin city; his plans to address these concerns at an early date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14829/07]

I have received the correspondence referred to. As the issues raised therein are operational matters my Department has asked Iarnród Éireann to respond directly to the group.

Public Transport.

Joan Burton

Question:

663 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Transport the level of funding provided for bus corridors in 2006, particularly for those serving Dublin 15 and the Blanchardstown area; the information available to his Department on the way in which same is spent; the amount and percentage of such funding drawn down in each of the past five years; the information available to his Department on the number of bus lane kilometres in Fingal; the information available to his Department on the different quality bus corridors and the number of pinch points for buses on each route; the percentage of each route where a bus lane exists; if he is satisfied with the level of QBC provision in Fingal; the legislative measures he proposes to speed up bus priority measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14854/07]

I would like to refer the Deputy to my previous reply to PQ No. 4422/07 on Wednesday 7th February 2007 and to say that I have been advised by the DTO Executive that the position has not changed.

Air Services.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

664 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Transport the reason two flights (details supplied) which both receive Government subsidy can vary so significantly in price; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14916/07]

Services on the routes mentioned by the Deputy are provided on foot of Public Service Obligations under my Department's Essential Air Services Programme and in accordance with the relevant EU requirements. The contracts in respect of these services oblige the carriers to provide a minimum daily capacity of 60 seats each way, at least 80% of which must be made available at a fare not exceeding €75 each way.

The fares charged from time to time in respect of the remaining capacity on each flight are a matter for the commercial judgement of the carriers. Once the contractual obligations outlined above are fulfilled, I have no function in relation to fares on these services.

Rail Network.

David Stanton

Question:

665 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 210 of 29 March 2007 and the press release issued from his Department on 6 April 2007 regarding the Midleton rail project, the month in 2009 in which passenger services are expected to be operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14980/07]

The detailed programming of the implementation of the Midleton rail line is a matter for Iarnród Éireann.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

666 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has plans for the land (details supplied) on the Termonfeckin Road in Drogheda, County Louth which is zoned for railway purposes; his Department’s intentions for this land; the dates at which proposed changes will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15176/07]

The issue referred to is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and my Department has no role in relation thereto.

Taxi Services.

Tony Gregory

Question:

667 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Transport if the number of wheelchair accessible taxis has fallen by 75%; if he has received correspondence from the taxi regulator in this regard; the action he is taking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15208/07]

The independent Commission for Taxi Regulation is responsible for the development and maintenance of the regulatory framework for the control and operation of taxis, hackneys and limousines, including the licensing of such vehicles under the Taxi Regulation Act 2003, as amended. I understand from the Commission that while the proportion of wheelchair accessible taxis in the overall taxi fleet has declined there are currently 1,341 licensed wheelchair accessible taxis available compared with 840 in November 2000.

The Commission for Taxi Regulation is reviewing the current wheelchair accessible taxi specification in the context of a consultation process on vehicle standards generally which took place recently. An outline proposal from the Commission for a draft subsidy scheme to assist with the purchase of wheelchair accessible taxis and hackneys is also being examined in my Department.

Rail Network.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

668 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Transport if the contracts have been signed for the Kildare route project. [15219/07]

The award of contracts for the Kildare route upgrade project is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann.

Public Transport.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

669 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 375 of 5 April 2007, if proposals have been decided upon and cleared. [15224/07]

The clarification requested from Dublin Bus on the two notifications as referred to in my reply of 5th April, 2007 was received from the Company on 17th April last. Both notifications are currently being considered by my Department and I will inform the Deputy when decisions have been made.

Air Services.

Seán Crowe

Question:

670 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding discussions he or his Department has had in relation to allowing weapons to be carried by cabin or flight crew and in-flight security officers; the Government’s position regarding armed sky marshals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15267/07]

The Department of Transport has a primary role in relation to aviation security matters. Policy regarding armed personnel on board aircraft has involved close co-ordination between my Department, the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and An Garda Síochána. In common with other States, the Irish position concerning the acceptance of in-flight security personnel on foreign aircraft arriving at Irish airports is a willingness to permit such operations subject to appropriate protocols and procedures being agreed in advance with the State concerned.

The issue of deployment of armed personnel on board Irish registered aircraft is kept under continuous review by the National Civil Aviation Security Committee, which is chaired by an official from this Department.

Rail Services.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

671 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Iarnród Éireann charges for the use of disabled parking spaces in its car parks; if disabled employees of Iarnród Éireann have to pay for parking; if this is departmental policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15272/07]

The provision and management of car parking facilities at railway stations is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann. I understand, however, from Iarnród Éireann that it is not their policy to charge for the use of disabled parking spaces, either for its customers or their employees.

Summer Jobs Scheme.

Enda Kenny

Question:

672 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position in relation to the restoration of the student summer job scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14285/07]

My Department has no current plans regarding the restoration of the Summer Jobs Scheme.

Question No. 673 answered with QuestionNo. 46.

Harbours and Piers.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

674 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on whether there is an urgent need for the extension of Mulranny Pier, County Mayo; if he will provide the necessary funding, in view of the urgent need to upgrade this essential piece of infrastructure as it is a valuable asset to the area and its surrounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15094/07]

Further to previous replies to the Deputy in relation to this matter, my Department has not received an application for funding for this pier. However, I understand that officials in Mayo County Council have indicated that an application for funding has been made to the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources since January 2007.

Inland Waterways.

Paudge Connolly

Question:

675 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position with regard to the re-opening of the Ulster Canal; the timescale envisaged for restoration of the canal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14130/07]

As the Deputy will be aware, the restoration of the Ulster Canal is identified in the National Development Plan 2007-2013 as one of the Government's priorities for all-island co-operation and work is already under way to explore the possibility of restoring the canal to provide a major inland waterway for the border region. My Department continues to liaise with the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure in Northern Ireland with a view to taking this work forward.

Ministerial Staff.

Phil Hogan

Question:

676 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the names, titles, duties and dates of appointment of each of the special advisers, political advisers, personal assistants and press officers appointed by him; the salary level of each appointee including payments in lieu of pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14201/07]

The details for my Media Adviser, Special Adviser, Personal Secretary and Personal Assistant are shown in the table.

Name

Title

Date of Appointment

Salary Level

Eadaoin Ní Mhonghaile

Media Adviser

24 June 2002

Principal Officer level + 11% superannuation payment adjustment

Pádraic Ó hUiginn

Special Adviser

12 January 2004

Principal Officer level + 11% superannuation payment adjustment

Máire Ní Fhlatharta

Personal Secretary

24 June 2002

Secretarial Assistant level + an allowance equal to 10% of Salary

Máire Ní Choisdealbha

Personal Assistant

24 June 2002

Higher Executive Officer Level

The duties of each individual is consistent with their title.

Rural Social Scheme.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

677 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will be offered a place on the rural social scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14299/07]

Currently, all of the 2,600 places available on the Rural Social Scheme (RSS) have been taken up. However, each of the Implementing Bodies have been encouraged to form a waiting list of suitable eligible applicants in their areas, which can then be used to fill vacancies as and when they arise.

Galway Rural Development Company (GRDC) Ltd. has confirmed that the person referred to by the Deputy expressed an interest in joining the RSS and was given an application form to complete. While, to date, he has not returned the form, if he is still interested in participating on the Scheme, he should contact GRDC Ltd. directly as they will be able to advise him having regard to the current waiting lists for the Scheme in his area.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

678 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will be offered a place on the rural social scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14300/07]

Currently, all of the 2,600 places available on the Rural Social Scheme (RSS) have been taken up. However, each of the Implementing Bodies have been encouraged to form a waiting list of suitable eligible applicants in their areas, which can then be used to fill vacancies as and when they arise. My Department contacted Galway Rural Development Company (GRDC) Ltd. and was informed that the person referred to by the Deputy is currently 6th on their waiting list. The applicant should keep in contact with GRDC as they will be able keep him informed of developments.

Departmental Programmes.

John Perry

Question:

679 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the plans in place to give CLÁR status to Ballisodare east; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14344/07]

The CLÁR Programme is a targeted investment programme in rural areas. The areas originally selected for inclusion in the programme were those that suffered the greatest population decline from 1926 to 1996, with the exception of the Cooley Peninsula (which was included based on the serious difficulties caused there by Food and Mouth disease). The areas covered by CLÁR were reviewed in 2003 and, again, in 2006. The total number of counties now covered is 23 with a population of nearly 727,000.

At the time of the CLÁR extensions, Ballisodare East was not selected for inclusion in the Programme as it had a population increase of approx. 80% between 1926 and 2002 and, therefore, did not fit the criteria. I have no plans at present for any further expansion of the areas covered by CLÁR.

Harbours and Piers.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

680 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his Department in association with Údarás will carry out a structural survey of Mulranny Pier, Mulranny, County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14462/07]

Údarás na Gaeltachta has no function in the matter referred to by the Deputy. However, I understand that an application form for the small Gaeltacht piers scheme, which is administered by my Department, was recently sent to the Deputy. On receipt of the completed application form, my officials, in association with officials from Mayo County Council, will assess the application, including the need for a structural survey, in accordance with the normal criteria.

Question No. 681 answered with QuestionNo. 77.

Departmental Programmes.

John Perry

Question:

682 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the directive he has issued in relation to the appointments of chairpersons to 38 local Leader partnerships companies here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14577/07]

Paul Connaughton

Question:

683 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason he proposes to have ministerial control over the appointment of chairpersons to the various Leader groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14588/07]

John Perry

Question:

689 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason he is proposing to make the appointment of chairpersons of Leader programme boards his own prerogative, which is a major departure from the system which has operated since the inception of the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14725/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 682, 683 and 689 together.

Arising from the joint ministerial initiative on the review of local and community development structures, the Government recently agreed a series of measures which provide for revised arrangements in relation to the board membership and mandate of integrated local and community development agencies and urban-based partnerships, the appointment by Government of the Chairs and the preferred coverage areas of integrated structures from now on.

The Government has decided that it should select the Chairs of the boards of these local agencies from three nominations put forward by the local boards. This decision reflects the importance of these local development agencies and the public accountability issues arising from the significant public funds that they will disburse under a wide range of programmes. The decision also recognises the Chairs as a significantly influential group as their agencies will operate throughout the state. In this regard important issues such as gender and skills balance within the group arise which, in the Government's view, require national oversight.

Official Languages Act.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

684 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of money that has been spent by the various Government Departments in implementing the Official Languages Act 2003 since its introduction; his views on whether the money could be better spent providing text books and examination material for the 40,000 students currently attending gaelscoileanna and gaelcholáistí in the State. [14607/07]

Firstly, in relation to the general issue of costs, as I have indicated previously in response to Parliamentary Questions no formal costings have been done with regard to the full implementation of the Official Languages Act 2003 on the basis that such an exercise would not be feasible in advance of consideration on a case-by-case basis by each public body, including Government Departments, of what, if any, specific costs might arise for it.

It is clear, however, that there are some cost issues involved, particularly at start-up, but in the normal course these should be met from within existing administrative allocations. In that context, I should point out that the information to hand with regard to the issue of costs relates to the costs incurred by all Departments, as well as the Office of the Revenue Commissioners and the Office of Public Works, in publishing bilingually documents covered under section 10 of the Official Languages Act during 2005. The total cost for all of those Departments/Offices of publishing such documents amounted to some €343,000. It should be noted that it had been the practice of a number of Departments to publish certain key documents bilingually prior to the enactment of the Act. This commitment on the part of Departments in some cases arose from the Quality Customer Service Initiative.

Secondly, it is important to reiterate that it is a matter for each public body in the first instance to ensure that sufficient resources are available in order to comply with the provisions of this particular legislation in the same way as resources are made available to ensure compliance with obligations imposed by other pieces of legislation and by the requirement to provide Quality Customer Service. Any question of funding for specific administrative costs for individual public bodies — regardless of whether these relate to the Official Languages Act or any other service delivery or policy obligation arising — would fall to be assessed against formal business cases or proposals submitted as part of the normal annual estimate and budget cycle.

Given its position as the first constitutional language, the objective is to ensure that delivery of public services by public bodies through the Irish language is seen as normal and required to meet minimum standards of customer service and corporate governance, rather than an optional extra or add-on. The Official Languages Act provides a planning mechanism by which constitutional obligations can be met over time in a planned and coherent way.

I do not accept as suggested in the question by the Deputy that resources devoted to the implementation of the Act would otherwise be available from the various agencies and Departments to provide support materials for students engaged in Irish-medium education.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

685 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will approve a grant through CLÁR for the Ballyduhig group water scheme, Listowel, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14608/07]

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

690 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will approve a grant under the CLÁR programme to enable the Ballyduhig group water scheme County Kerry to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14833/07]

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

694 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when funding will be approved for the Ballyduhig water scheme, Listowel, County Kerry from CLÁR funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15040/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 685, 690 and 694 together.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that, yesterday, 23rd April, I announced an allocation of CLÁR top-up funding to the value of €61,546 for the Ballyduhig Group Water Scheme in County Kerry. This funding will enable works amounting to €99,639 to be carried out, with the balance being paid by the Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government and by private contributions from the Group members. A total of 5 households will benefit from the Scheme, with savings of €12,309 per household.

Community Development.

Willie Penrose

Question:

686 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his Department has received an application for funding in respect of an employment development information project (details supplied); if he will ensure that same is considered for such funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14716/07]

An application to the Dormant Accounts Fund from the group concerned under the Jointly Funded Flagship measure was received and is currently being processed. The applicant will be informed of the outcome of the process in due course.

Rural Transport Initiative.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

687 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if the rural transport initiative scheme will assist old age pensioners with taxi costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14720/07]

I believe there is a need in rural Ireland for an evening transport service to allow rural people to fully participate in the various activities — community, sporting and social — that take place in their areas and to address the market failure that currently exists.

What I have in mind is that the new scheme will be additional to the existing Rural Transport Programme (RTP), run by the Department of Transport, and that a small number of areas will be selected to run it, over a 12 month pilot period. In this context, the 34 groups currently delivering the RTP were invited to submit applications to be considered under the new scheme and 22 of the groups subsequently applied. I hope to make an announcement on the half dozen or so pilot areas to be selected in the next week or two.

All passengers will be charged to travel on the proposed service to ensure its cost effectiveness — other than holders of free passes, such as old age pensioners.

Community Development.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

688 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if funding will be provided by his Department for an integrated services centre for the Mitchell’s area of Tralee, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14724/07]

An application to the Dormant Accounts Fund in respect of the project in question was made under the Jointly Funded Flagship measure. The applicant will be informed of the outcome of the assessment process quite shortly.

Question No. 689 answered with QuestionNo. 682.
Question No. 690 answered with QuestionNo. 685.

Joan Burton

Question:

691 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position in relation to balancing funding for a group (details supplied) in Dublin 15, which is currently seeking to start the building of a long promised community and family resource facility; if he has been in a position to provide the shortfall in funding which has emerged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14867/07]

An application in respect of the Community Centre in question under the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund (YPFSF) was received in November 2006 from Blanchardstown Local Development Group. However, the Development Group subsequently contacted the Department to advise of its intention to withdraw that application and to submit a revised one, focusing more particularly on the potential of the proposed development in regard to young people at risk in the community. To date a revised application has not been received.

The Deputy may be aware that I recently announced my intention to allocate an additional €6m in capital funding under the YPFSF. It will be open to all 18 Development Groups to make applications in this regard and any application submitted by Blanchardstown Local Development Group in respect of the Community Centre in question will be considered by the National Assessment Committee of the Fund.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Michael Ring

Question:

692 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when funding will be provided to a group water scheme (details supplied) in County Mayo. [14877/07]

An application for CLÁR funding in respect of the upgrading of the Fahy/Kilmaclasser group water scheme was received in my Department in September 2006.

My Department is examining the matter in consultation with Mayo County Council and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (D/EHLG).

Under the conditions governing CLÁR funding for such schemes, D/EHLG is consulted on all schemes costing more than €250,000 to CLÁR. As the CLÁR funding requested in this instance is €1,169,087, the application was referred to D/EHLG and their advice is awaited. A decision on the application will be made as soon as possible.

Community Development.

Jack Wall

Question:

693 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if through the schemes under the remit of his Department funding is available to a number of clubs (details supplied) in County Kildare in relation to necessary infrastructural refurbishment for the safety of their members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14915/07]

My Department does not provide funding under any of its schemes or programmes for the specific project that the Deputy refers to. Detailed information in respect of the schemes and programmes operated by my Department can be found on my Department's website at www.pobail.ie.

Question No. 694 answered with QuestionNo. 685.
Question No. 695 answered with QuestionNo. 67.
Question No. 696 answered with QuestionNo. 53.
Question No. 697 answered with QuestionNo. 46.

Emigrant Support Services.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

698 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will allow overseas emigrant groups to apply for dormant accounts funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15153/07]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question Number 7 on 5 November 2006 relating to Exchequer funding for overseas emigrant groups. The position concerning support from the Dormant Accounts Fund for such groups has not changed.

Proposed Legislation.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

699 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason for the delay in the publication of the Charities Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15156/07]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the Charities Bill 2007 was published on 12th April last.

Question No. 700 answered with QuestionNo. 74.

National Drugs Strategy.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

701 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will ring-fence moneys seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau for drug treatment and rehabilitation services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15158/07]

In principle, I would welcome the use of moneys seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) for drug prevention and drug treatment programmes. Indeed, my officials have explored this idea previously. However, the critical issue is the level of overall funding made available for the implementation of the National Drugs Strategy and in that regard I am fully satisfied with the amount of €50m made available this year.

An allocation of €50m has been made to my Department's Vote for the Drugs Initiative/Young People's Facilities and Services Fund in 2007. This represents an increase of 16% on the 2006 allocation and a massive 59% increase on the 2005 figure. In addition, well over €200m is being provided by the Government across a number of other Departments and agencies to tackle the drugs problem this year. Overall, therefore, I am satisfied that current Government expenditure on drugs is sufficient to meet demands.

Question No. 702 answered with QuestionNo. 59.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

703 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on the need for increased community policing as promised under the national drugs strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15160/07]

I acknowledge the value of community policing and support the development of appropriate Community Policing Fora, in line with Action 11 of the National Drugs Strategy. To date, three Community Policing Fora have been established in the Finglas, Blanchardstown and North Inner City (Dublin) Local Drugs Task Force areas.

Meanwhile, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005, Joint Policing Committees are to be established in each of the 114 Local Authority administrative areas throughout the State. These Committees, 22 of which have been established on a pilot basis, will bring together public representatives as well as representatives of Local Authorities, an Garda Síochána, and the community and voluntary sectors to discuss and make recommendations on matters affecting the policing of their areas.

At the same time, An Garda Síochána, in conjunction with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, are engaged in discussions with the relevant players about how best to progress the development of Community Policing Fora within the overarching structure of the Joint Policing Committees. Funding of €14m has been allocated to that Department under the National Development Plan (2007-2013) to develop the Community Policing Fora structures over the lifetime of the Plan.

Departmental Staff.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

704 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the efforts taken by his Department to encourage sustainable transport by his staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15161/07]

My Department has taken a number of steps to encourage the use of sustainable transport among staff. The Department provides only limited car parking facilities for staff and, as an alternative, encourages and manages the use of the travel pass scheme which offers tax incentives to staff who purchase annual bus or train tickets. There is a significant take up of that scheme. The Department also provides secure bicycle parking facilities for staff and also provides changing and shower facilities for staff to encourage cycling to work.

Rural Social Scheme.

Sean Fleming

Question:

705 Mr. Fleming asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if the numbers on the rural social employment scheme operated by Laois Leader are to be increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15167/07]

As all of the 2,600 places available under the Rural Social Scheme have now been filled, I regret it is not possible to allocate any further places to Laois LEADER. However, my Department is encouraging Implementing Bodies to form waiting lists of suitable, eligible applicants, which can be used to fill vacancies on the Scheme, as and when they arise. This will ensure that places arising are filled as quickly as possible, while also enabling my staff to monitor and assess the on-going demand under the Scheme.

Grant Payments.

Michael Ring

Question:

706 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if a grant will be approved for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [15179/07]

My Department has no application on file from the individual in question at the given address. However we do have an application under Scéim na mBóithre Áise for assistance to carry out works on a road at the same address. This application will be assessed under the usual criteria when grants are being sanctioned in the future.

Community Development.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

707 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason he is discontinuing core funding from the LDP for a group (details supplied); if he will reconsider his position on funding for this group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15180/07]

The Community Development Programme provides multi-annual core funding to some 180 locally based voluntary and community groups (Community Development Projects) involved in anti-poverty and social inclusion initiatives. In addition, the Programme provides significant funding to a range of support groups under contract to my Department to provide support for these Projects.

The decision to discontinue funding to the group in question was part of a move to concentrate funding on coalface activities rather than support groups. It is a matter for individual Community Development Projects to use the service of the group in question if they consider them good value. The decision to discontinue funding to the body referred to by the Deputy was communicated to the group in June 2005 in order that other avenues for funding could be explored by the group. The group appealed that decision. The matter was further considered and funding of €100,000 was approved for the body for 2007 to give them more time to explore new opportunities for funding. My intention is to ensure that a greater proportion of the funding for the Programme is made available to Community Development Projects to address local issues. It is my intention that individual Projects are able to access funding from the Programme to meet specific training and support that their boards of management may consider necessary to address local needs.

Billy Timmins

Question:

708 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position in relation to an application for funding under the CLÁR programme for a project (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if funding will be provided as a matter of urgency in view of the safety issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15270/07]

CLÁR provides 100% funding specifically for flashing amber safety lights at all primary schools in CLÁR areas that do not already have such lights. The Local Authority identifies the projects and my Department has no role in this process. The Local Authority has sole responsibility for the administration of this scheme.

Departmental Programmes.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

709 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans for changes, alterations, amalgamation or administration in the matter of the rural development programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15335/07]

The new Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 will cover key ‘outside the farm gate' measures such as diversification into non-agricultural activities, support for business creation and development, encouragement of tourism activities, basic services for the economy and rural population, village renewal and development and conservation and upgrading of the rural heritage.

I would also refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question number 43 which I answered today which provides details in relation to the improvement of on-the-ground services, where City and County Development Boards have been mandated to oversee the cohesion process at a local level and to facilitate the development of cohesion proposals by local agencies, including those delivering rural development programmes.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

710 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the way his plans for the future operation of rural or urban development schemes funded by his Department are expected to be affected by administrative changes he has in mind; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15336/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

711 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the sources of funding for the various community, urban and rural support schemes operated by his Department; those not funded by his Department; his proposals for their operation in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15337/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

716 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his proposals for the funding of urban or rural community and development programmes in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15342/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 710, 711 and 716 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, my Department implements and funds a wide range of measures, schemes and programmes for the development and support of various communities, urban and rural. The sources of funding for these schemes and programmes are the Exchequer, EU and the Dormant Accounts Fund. Details of these can be found on my Department's website www.pobail.ie.

These schemes and programmes currently are being operated and delivered in line with the current Programme for Government. The future operation and funding supports provided by my Department's schemes and programmes for the development of urban and rural communities will be line with the next Programme for Government, the National Development Plan 2007-2013 and the ongoing emerging needs of communities, both urban and rural.

In relation to the new Rural Development Programme 2007-2013, I can confirm that the Programme will cover key ‘outside the farm gate' measures such as diversification into non-agricultural activities, support for business creation and development, encouragement of tourism activities, basic services for the economy and rural population, village renewal and development and conservation and upgrading of the rural heritage.

In respect of the Deputy's query regarding the future operation of rural or urban development schemes funded by this Department and the administrative changes arising, I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question number 15007/07, which I answered recently, and which provides details in relation to the improvement of on-the-ground services, where City and County Development Boards have been mandated to oversee the cohesion process at a local level and to facilitate the development of cohesion proposals by local agencies. Finally, the Deputy will appreciate that I have no function in relation to urban/rural support schemes not funded by my Department.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

712 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the expenditure under the CLÁR scheme expected in 2007; the way this compares with 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15338/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

714 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the expected expenditure under the CLÁR scheme in County Kildare in 2007; the way this compares with 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15340/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 712 and 714 together.

The CLÁR Programme is a targeted investment programme in rural areas. The areas originally selected for inclusion in the programme were those that suffered the greatest population decline from 1926 to 1996, with the exception of the Cooley Peninsula (which was included based on the serious difficulties caused there by Food and Mouth disease).

The areas covered by CLÁR were reviewed in 2003 and, again, in 2006. The total number of counties now covered is 23 with a population of nearly 727,000. Kildare was not selected for inclusion in the Programme at any time as it did not fit the criteria in terms of population loss. Consequently, there is no CLÁR expenditure in Kildare.

Funding of €18.683m is provided for the CLÁR Programme in my Department's Estimates for 2007. In 2006, expenditure was just over €23m, which reflects the expansion of the Programme from 18 to 23 counties which took place during that year. I am confident that the funding available for the Programme in 2007 will be sufficient to meet demands.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

713 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the expenditure under the RAPID scheme expected in 2007; the way this compares with 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15339/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

715 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the expected expenditure under the RAPID scheme in County Kildare in 2007; the way this compares with 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15341/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 713 and 715 together.

The RAPID Programme aims to ensure that priority attention is given to tackling the spatial concentration of poverty and social exclusion within the 45 designated RAPID areas. In addition, in 2006 RAPID priority status was extended to Ballyfermot. This Department, with the support of Pobal, has overall responsibility for the co-ordination of the RAPID programme. It is a matter for individual Departments to report progress with their projects under the RAPID programme. The latest data in respect of the programme is available on Pobal's website under the RAPID section (http://www.pobal.ie/ live/RAPID).

The Deputy will be aware that I introduced the RAPID Leverage Schemes in 2004. Under these schemes, my Department directly funds schemes with other Departments and agencies to provide playgrounds, improve traffic measures, improve health facilities, provide CCTV, support sporting organisations as well as improve local authority housing estates and flat complexes.

Since the introduction of these Schemes I have increased the amount of allocated annually from some €6.5m in 2004 to some €11.0m in 2006. Funds are drawn down from the Department when works have been completed and not necessarily in the year of allocation. The timing of completion of works is outside of the control of my Department.

I am constantly monitoring the Schemes to ensure that they are serving the needs identified by people in the RAPID communities. In 2006, in response to requests, I broadened the Playground Scheme to provide funding for Multi-User Games Areas. This initiative has proved very popular. The Deputy will be aware of the joint initiative announced in January 2007 with my colleague the Minister for Education and Science that will enable €18m worth of investment in schools in RAPID areas. I am satisfied that the allocation of €7.8 million in 2007 is sufficient to meet the funding commitments I have approved for these schemes for this year.

With respect to the Athy RAPID area, funding of some €92,000 was expended on sports top-up grants and traffic calming measures in 2006. The total funding allocated to projects in Athy from the Leverage fund in 2006 was €211,000. Additional allocations will be made during 2007 as the individual schemes open for applications.

Question No. 714 answered with QuestionNo. 712.
Question No. 715 answered with QuestionNo. 713.
Question No. 716 answered with QuestionNo. 710.

National Drugs Strategy.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

717 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of community based schemes involved in drug rehabilitation funded by his Department in 2006 and 2007; the extent to which he proposes to increase such support with a view to dealing with the drugs issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15343/07]

Over 400 Local Drugs Task Force projects, including those under the Emerging Needs Fund, received interim funding from my Department in 2006. Of these, in the region of 200 projects dealt with the issues of treatment and rehabilitation and these will be continue to be funded in 2007. Across the ten Regional Drug Task Force areas, 42 treatment and rehabilitation projects were initiated in 2006 and it is expected that this will rise to a total of 62 by the end of 2007.

The Deputy should also note that the Report of the Working Group on Drug Rehabilitation will be published in the next few weeks. The key recommendations focus on providing a continuum of care for clients through planned progression paths for each problem drug user, while ensuring that quality standards are achieved in the services provided. The Report also focuses on wider supports needed by recovering problem drug users in areas such as access to education and employment, housing and child care, while recognising the need to involve the families of problem drug users in the process.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

718 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of applications he received for funding from community based schemes involved in combating drugs throughout the greater Dublin area in the past 12 months; the number of such applications that were successful; his proposals to make a further offer to those that were unsuccessful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15344/07]

The bulk of expenditure on drugs initiatives allocated to community groups through my Department is channelled annually to on-going projects through the Local Drugs Task Forces, the Regional Drugs Task Forces and the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund (YPFSF).

Local and Regional Drugs Task Force projects normally originate at Task Force level and are submitted to the National Drugs Strategy Team (NDST). Following consideration by the NDST, recommendations for funding of some projects are made to my Department. Under the YPFSF, projects come through Development Groups in the designated areas and are submitted to the National Assessment Committee of the YPFSF, chaired by my Department. In the event of projects not being selected for submission, it is open to project promoters at community level to pursue the matter with the relevant Drugs Task Force or Development Group.

In 2006/2007 to date, I have approved all the projects which were submitted to me under the Premises Initiative Fund (capital projects at Local and Regional Drugs Task Force level), the Emerging Needs Fund (mostly current projects for Local Drugs Task Force level) and the YPFSF (current and capital projects). The Premises Initiative Fund was established to meet the accommodation needs of community-based drug projects. I approved funding for 10 such projects in 2006 in the greater Dublin area and a further 11, to date, in 2007. The Emerging Needs Fund was established to support projects in Local Drugs Task Force areas to respond in a timely and flexible way to new and emerging needs. I approved a total of 59 projects in the greater Dublin area under this Fund in 2006.

The YPFSF assists in the development of Youth Facilities, (including sport and recreational facilities), and services in disadvantaged areas where a significant drug problem exists or has the potential to develop. Under this Fund, 6 new current projects in the greater Dublin area were approved in 2006 and these will continue to receive funding in 2007. I approved funding for 17 new capital projects in 2006, with a further 5 being approved so far this year.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

719 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will establish as a matter of urgency, due to the deteriorating situation with drug misuse in Limerick and particularly around heroin abuse and its associated problems, a local drugs task force dedicated to providing services in Limerick city. [15366/07]

Up-to-date and comprehensive data on the misuse of drugs will start to become available in the autumn with the publication of the first results from the second all-island Drug Prevalence Survey, the fieldwork for which is now nearing completion. Furthermore, with respect to heroin misuse in particular, another national study is being commissioned by the National Advisory Committee on Drugs and figures from this are expected to be available in early 2008. These surveys will give us a much clearer view of the prevalence and changing nature of drug misuse all over Ireland.

Meanwhile, I can assure the Deputy of my commitment, and that of the Government, to tackling the drugs problem in Limerick City and, indeed, all over the country. With regard to Limerick City, I feel, however, that the drug problem there can best and most effectively be dealt with through the establishment of a subgroup of the Midwest Regional Drugs Task Force, rather than through the establishment of a separate Local Drugs Task Force structure.

Question No. 720 answered with QuestionNo. 52.

Rural Development.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

721 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position in relation to the development of a national strategy on rural development; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15155/07]

In line with the EU framework for rural development, a national strategy was developed and forwarded to the EU Commission last November. This strategy outlined Ireland's proposed approach for the next seven years. A rural development programme detailing relevant support measures was then sent to the EU Commission in December. This programme set out measures to be co-funded by the EU and others to be funded solely by the exchequer.

My Department continues its consultation with the EU Commission on both the strategy and the programme. While it is still too early to be definitive as to the eventual outcome, I would hope that EU approval will be obtained in the coming months. The EU Commission has already advised that its approval for measures solely funded by the exchequer is to be pursued outside the remit of the programme. The necessary steps have been taken to allow for this course.

Grant Payments.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

722 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Carlow was refused a grant under the scheme of investment aid for farm waste management; her views on whether the works carried out were in line with best environmental practices; and her further views on awarding the grant due to the farmer’s financial predicament. [14149/07]

The person named is an applicant under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. An incomplete application was received on 13 December 2006. Additional information in relation to that application was requested from the person concerned on 21 March 2007. The application cannot be further progressed until that information is received. It is a fundamental condition of the Farm Waste Management Scheme that aid will not be granted for works commenced or equipment/items purchased before written approval has been conveyed to a farmer.

Alternative Farm Enterprises.

Enda Kenny

Question:

723 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the alternative enterprises that will be offered to farmers following the closure of a meat processing factory (details supplied) in County Kerry; the efforts made to protect this important local enterprise; if she will assist the suppliers affected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14154/07]

You will be aware that this company went into receivership in October 2001 and a liquidator was appointed in 2002. The payment of monies owed is a matter to be resolved between creditors and the liquidator. Consequently, it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in this matter.

Notwithstanding the closure, however, I would point out that the Irish beef sector remains competitive. Production at export plants, during 2006, rose by almost 5% to some 550,000 tonnes, while cattle slaughterings amounted to some 1.7 million head. 2006 also saw further growth in beef exports. In excess of half a million tonnes, or more than 90% of total production, was sold abroad, most of it going into the high value EU market. Together with the increase in output and exports, the upward trend of recent years in prices also continued. Across all classes and grades, prices rose, on average, by 8% last year, reaching their highest level for many years.

As regards the sheep sector, 2006 proved to be a stable year. Despite major difficulties in our largest market France, prices, it should be noted, recovered during the course of the year, and were up 2% overall. However, supplies across the EU are forecast to decline over the coming years, a factor which should strengthen prices.

To support these sectors in responding to the very real challenges they face on an on-going basis I announced, last year, a number of initiatives that will assist them in cementing the achievements already made and better equip them to face the ongoing challenges of a competitive marketplace. These will complement and underpin the Quality Assurance Schemes for both the beef and sheepmeat sectors.

A Capital Investment Support Scheme for the beef and sheepmeat primary processing sectors was announced in November 2006. The rationale for this scheme is to assist the industry in further strengthening competitiveness and efficiency. The support package, amounting to €50 million, will trigger overall investment of €120 million. The aid scheme, funded by the Department, will be managed by Enterprise Ireland, the state agency responsible for implementing such state aid packages.

Proposals for the introduction of an Animal Welfare, Recording and Breeding Scheme for Suckler Herds were submitted to the European Commission in December 2006. The scheme, which is subject to EU approval, is designed to encourage suckler farmers to achieve higher standards in animal welfare and husbandry and to record data for breed improvement purposes in order to assist both quality and productivity. A budget of €250 million is being provided over the duration of the scheme.

The Sheep Industry Strategy Group, which I established, produced its report in June 2006. This contained a number of important recommendations aimed at developing the sector and these are now in the process of being implemented. I believe these measures, combined with our high levels of food safety standards, will not only contribute to underpinning the strategic and coherent development of these sectors, but also agricultural incomes.

Ministerial Staff.

Phil Hogan

Question:

724 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the names, titles, duties and dates of appointment of each of the special advisers, political advisers, personal assistants and press officers appointed by her; the salary level of each appointee including payments in lieu of pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14198/07]

The table details the information requested by the Deputy.

Grade

Number

Date Appointed

Salary Scale

Special Adviser (Civil Servant)

1

29th October 2004

€61,755-€89,271 Assistant Principal Officer Scale + 10%

Press Adviser (non Civil Servant)

1

2nd May 2006

€80,408-€112,334 Principal Officer scale

Personal Assistant (Non Civil Servant)

1

30th September 2004

€43,445-€59,998 Higher Executive Officer scale

Personal Secretary (Non Civil Servant)

1

30th September 2004

€21,631-€41,736.17 Secretarial Assistant’s salary + 10%

Grant Payments.

Michael Ring

Question:

725 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has received all of their payment entitlements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14232/07]

The position is that the person named applied under both the Agri-Environmental and National Reserve Hill Farmer measures of the Single Payment Scheme and was deemed successful under both measures. The Regulations governing the Single Payment Scheme provide that checks must be made to ensure that an applicant who is successful under more than one measure of the Single Payment Scheme may only receive an allocation under the measure that is most beneficial to him/her.

In this case it has been established that an allocation from the National Reserve Hill Farmers measures is more beneficial and therefore the Agri- environmental measure has been rescinded in favour of an allocation from the National Reserve. A formal letter outlining my Department's decision has issued to the person named and his Single Payment has been increased by €1000 which is the maximum amount payable under the measure concerned. There are no proposals to increase Single Payments under Modulation.

John McGuinness

Question:

726 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason two years’ farm payments have not been made in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will expedite payment of the outstanding amounts due as the applicant has submitted all of the information required some time ago. [14236/07]

The person named received Payments of €12,827.44 in 2005 and €15,026.99 in 2006 under the Single Farm Payment Scheme. The person named also applied to transfer in entitlements by way of Private Contract Clause. This application has been processed and the additional payment due will issue to the applicant shortly.

Common Agricultural Policy.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

727 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding the WTO and the CAP review for 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14295/07]

As regards the WTO, representatives of the EU and the main negotiating partners met recently in New Delhi and committed themselves to completing the negotiations by the end of the year. A further round of intensive negotiations is expected to take place in the next few months with a view to reaching agreement on the outline of a new agreement and to finalise the details by year end. Despite renewed efforts to achieve progress in recent months, there are no indications, for the moment, of a breakthrough on the substance of the negotiations. No new offer has been made by any of the negotiating partners. The emphasis in the negotiations remains on agriculture and there have been no recent developments of any significance in relation to the wider agenda of services, industrial goods or other issues. At this stage, there is no clear indication that any other negotiating partners are willing to concede in order to achieve compromise as the negotiations proceed.

I am committed to a successful conclusion to the negotiations. However, I believe that the negotiations must proceed, in parallel, on a multilateral and multi-sectoral basis in order to ensure a balanced outcome. Agriculture must not carry a disproportionate burden in the negotiations and I am firmly opposed to any further concession on agriculture beyond the EU's offer of October 2005.

As regards the CAP "Health Check", I expect that the Commission will bring forward a communication later in the year or early in 2008 outlining various policy issues for general debate. Formal proposals will be presented at a later stage by decision by the Council of Ministers later in 2008. The Commission has signalled a number of issues that may be included in the ‘Health Check' but no definite details are available at this stage. However, I expect that the process will include the review of milk quotas and the review of implementation of the Single Payment Scheme, both of which have been already agreed. While the Commissioner has stated that she does not envisage further radical reform of the CAP, she has adverted to the need for constant monitoring of common policies with a view to streamlining, simplification and rationalisation.

My main concern, following the most recent CAP reform, will be to ensure that there is a sustained period of stability to allow farmers to implement the changes necessitated by decoupling and to adapt to the market needs in a stable policy environment. The 2003 CAP reform is still being implemented and further major policy change should not be contemplated at this stage. However, I am favourably disposed to simplification and the reduction of bureaucracy for farmers and national administrations. I intend that all proposals emerging in the CAP 'Health Check' will be carefully scrutinised and evaluated to ensure that they support the maintenance of a viable, stable and sustainable policy framework for the continued prosperity of Irish agriculture.

Sheep Sector.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

728 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the main recommendations in the Malone sheep report; the number of recommendations she has implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14296/07]

Paudge Connolly

Question:

747 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans to implement the full Malone recommendations including incentive payments to procedures, to ensure a strong uptake at farm level in both lowlands and hill areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14505/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 728 and 747 together.

The Sheep Industry Strategy Development Group, under the chairmanship of Mr. John Malone, issued its report in June 2006. The report contained a total of 37 recommendations as to how the future of the sheep sector could be secured going forward. I established an Implementation Group, also under the chairmanship of Mr. Malone, in July 2006, to oversee the implementation of the recommendations contained in the report.

The Chairman has now submitted his report to me setting out the position of the Implementation Group on the actions required to implement each recommendation in the June 2006 Strategy Report. The Implementation Group has addressed the recommendations and I will be commenting further on these in the coming weeks.

Dairy Sector.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

729 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the main aspects of the dairy herd improvement scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14297/07]

Paudge Connolly

Question:

749 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will set up a dairy herd improvement scheme which would help promote the health of dairy cows, whole herds and, ultimately, the national herd; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14507/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 729 and 749 together.

There is a range of non-regulated diseases and conditions which impact on animal health, animal welfare and productivity while a number of them also have the potential to affect public health. For these reasons, the Department has had discussions in recent months with relevant stakeholders on the principle of introducing industry-led arrangements to tackle these non-regulated diseases and conditions in a substantive and coordinated way.

The stakeholders generally accept that action needs to be progressed and there is also broad acceptance that this can be achieved where all key players are willing to work together towards a common vision. In this regard both the Agri-Vision 2015 Action Plan and the Partnership agreement contain provisions on the development of industry led initiatives to further improve animal health and that particular attention will be paid to dairy farms.

As the discussions are still on-going final decisions have not yet been made on the detailed arrangements for this initiative. However, it is envisaged that the various stakeholders will play a key role in the delivery of the programme and that activities will be funded by the relevant parties including the State.

Farm Inspections.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

730 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position for 2007 regarding on-farm inspections without notice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14298/07]

The position is that the policy towards on-farm inspection has been to give advance notification of up to 48 hours in all cases. This policy of systematic pre-announcement of inspections was questioned by the European Commission in July 2006 and its unacceptability was conveyed to my Department in a formal communication in August. As a result, my Department was obliged to agree to a proportion of Single Payment Scheme inspections being carried out in 2006 without prior notification.

The EU regulations governing the Single Payment Scheme would allow my Department to give pre-notification of inspection in all cases where certain elements of cross-compliance are involved e.g. the Nitrates Regulations. However, my Department is committed, in the Charter of Rights for Farmers 2005-2007 to carrying out all Single Payment Scheme and Disadvantaged Area Scheme checks during one single farm visit in most cases. This then obliges my Department to respect the advance notice requirements applicable to the most stringent element of the inspection regime viz. maximum of 48 hours notice but with no advance notice in a proportion of cases.

My Department believes that pre-notification of Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme inspections fits in with the practicalities of Irish agriculture where increasingly, farmers are also engaged in off-farm employment. In a decoupled Single Payment Scheme system, the provision of advance notification of inspection to the farmer should not negatively impact on the effectiveness of the control. However, as the EU regulations stand, my Department is obliged to carry out a proportion of inspections without prior notification and this is what was done in 2006.

The Commission report documenting a review on cross-compliance was formally presented to the Council of Ministers meeting on 16th April. It is the intention of the Presidency to have the report examined at Special Agriculture Committee level with decisions to be taken by Ministers in June. The Commission's report makes proposals for changes in a number of areas including advance notice of checks up to 14 days "provided the purpose of the checks is not jeopardised". However, the report says that controls on the identification and registration of animals (for eligibility or for cross compliance) and on compliance with feed and food law, animal health and animal welfare rules will remain in principle unannounced due to the mandatory requirements of EU legislation.

At the Council of Ministers I voiced my concern in the strongest terms about the whole question of unannounced inspections and the Commission's proposals that controls on identification and registration of animals, compliance with feed and food law and animal health and welfare will remain "in principle" unannounced. I fully accept that it is a critical element of any control system that the inspection visit is implemented in such a way that its purpose is not jeopardised. In my view however, systematic unannounced inspections are not necessary to achieve this objective but add significantly to cost and inefficiencies at a time when simplification is the aspiration.

I accept that there should always be a possibility of carrying out some unannounced controls and historically Ireland has always adopted this approach where it was deemed necessary. I therefore asked the Commission to re-consider its proposals for systematic unannounced inspections. I will continue to press this point in the CAP simplification process.

Grant Payments.

Willie Penrose

Question:

731 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will take steps to ensure that entitlements are available to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath as set out in correspondence furnished to her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14324/07]

The person named submitted applications for an allocation of entitlements from the 2005 Single Payment Scheme National Reserve under Category A.

Category A caters for farmers who inherited land or received land free of charge or for a nominal sum from a farmer who had retired or died by 16 May 2005 and who had leased out his/her holding to a third party during the reference period 2000-2002. The person named was deemed unsuccessful under this category as he did not acquire the holding free of charge or for a nominal sum.

The person named appealed this decision. 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 person named.

John Perry

Question:

732 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a farm waste payment for a person (details supplied) will be issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14345/07]

The person concerned is an applicant under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. Notification of completion of the work (Card C), and related documents, have not yet been received from the applicant and the application cannot be further progressed until this documentation is received.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

733 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person will be able to make a new application for the investment in the improvement of dairy hygiene standards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14357/07]

Under the 2007-2013 Rural Development Programme, it is proposed to introduce a Farm Improvement Scheme which will provide grant-aid for, inter alia, the improvement of on-farm dairy hygiene facilities. The Scheme will be introduced as soon as EU approval is received for the Programme.

Dan Neville

Question:

734 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason there is a delay in the authorisation of grants under the farm waste management scheme and dairy hygiene schemes in the Limerick area. [14370/07]

I am aware of the difficulties caused by the massive increase in applications under the Farm Waste Management Scheme and recently introduced revised procedures in order to speed up the process of issuing approvals under the Scheme. These include the streamlining of administrative procedures for the approval of applications and the release to applicants of the newly revised Standard Costings used to assess the financial implications of proposed investments carried out under the Scheme. As a result, the number of approvals issued to farmers to commence work under the Scheme has increased significantly in recent weeks. The staffing levels in the local AES offices of my Department, including the Limerick office, are also reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure that the necessary staffing resources are in place to ensure delivery of the Scheme.

Martin Ferris

Question:

735 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason entitlements under the single farm payment and disadvantaged areas for 2005 were not granted to a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow. [14380/07]

The person named submitted an application for the 2005 Single Payment/ Disadvantaged Areas Schemes on 16 May 2005. A total net area of 44.22 hectares was declared. A field inspection took place on 17 February 2006 and by letter of the same date, the person named was informed of an area over-declaration amounting to a shortfall of 21.34 hectares. The decision of my Department in this case was appealed to the Independent Agriculture Appeals Office, where following an oral hearing on 31 August 2006 and further review it was decided to partially allow the appeal by deleting the area of the three land parcels in question without penalty.

The applicant was paid €3,201.56 under the 2005 Single Payment Scheme on 2 February 2007 and payment for the 2005 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme amounting to €2,208.57 was issued on 23 April 2007.

Bovine Diseases.

Martin Ferris

Question:

736 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if there is a plan to reduce the 45 day detention period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14381/07]

Michael Ring

Question:

777 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position in relation to the 45 day retention period when persons are buying and selling cattle; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14795/07]

I propose to take questions 736 and 777 together.

On 4 April 2007, I adopted legislation which amended the arrangements relating to the 45 day rule in relation to cattle and pigs. The changes follow on from a detailed review of the current legal framework for dealers and in the context of complying with EU legislation governing dealers.

The most significant changes in the new legislation are: dealers in cattle and pigs are defined as those who buy and resell within 30 days rather than within 45 days as was previously the case; farmers and others who buy and resell not more than 100 cattle or 100 pigs within 30 days in any 12 month period are exempted from the legislation; and agents who act exclusively on behalf of dealers, exporters, factories and private individuals are excluded from the definition of dealer.

The new legislation requires those who buy and resell cattle or pigs within 30 days to register as dealers and to comply with arrangements relating to the welfare and transport of animals, standards and the upkeep of premises, keeping of records and compliance with animal notification and disease testing procedures.

The 45-day registration rule was introduced in the context of the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak in 2001 when it was considered that animal movements had to be managed in a manner that would minimise the spread of disease. I am satisfied that in the current circumstances, it is appropriate to replace the 45-day rule for registration as a dealer with a 30-day rule. This new legislation will also remove certain categories from the scope of the legislation and reduce the administrative burden on individuals and the sector in a manner that will maintain the necessary disease control and traceability elements of the legislation relating to dealers.

Grant Payments.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

737 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when payment under the single payment scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14395/07]

The position is that the person named submitted an application for the 2006 Single Payment Scheme on the 12th May 2006. The entitlements in this case are not registered in the sole name of the person named. No application to transfer entitlements to the person named has been received by my Department. An official from my Department made direct contact with the person named outlining the position and it is understood that there may be legal difficulties involved.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

738 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her attention has been drawn to the limited number of payment entitlements from the single payment scheme national reserve to a farmer (details supplied) in West Cork who during the reference years was involved in obtaining their green certificate in an agricultural college; and if she will arrange for a further allocation to them. [14400/07]

The person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the 2005 Single Payments Scheme National Reserve under categories B and D. Category B caters for farmers who, between 1 January 2000 and 19 October 2003 made an investment in production capacity in a farming sector for which a direct payment under Livestock Premia and/or Arable Aid schemes would have been payable during the reference period 2000-2002. Investments can include purchase or long-term lease of land, purchase of suckler and/or ewe quota or other investments. The person named applied under Category B in relation to investment involving land that was leased in 2003 and was deemed successful under this category. He was given an allocation of 32.32 entitlements based on the net number of hectares of leased land declared on his 2005 Single Payment Scheme application form. The value of the entitlements allocated is equal to the average value of entitlements in the District Electoral Division associated with the herdnumber of the person concerned.

The person named also applied under Category B in relation to the purchase of suckler cow and ewe quota and was deemed unsuccessful under these categories as he did not purchase quota in any of the specified years. 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 this category as leased land is not eligible under this category.

The person named appealed my Department's decision. 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 person named.

The person named also submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the 2006 Single Payment Scheme National Reserve under Category B. Category B in the 2006 National Reserve caters for farmers who commenced farming after 31 December, 2002 or who commenced farming in 2002 but who received no direct payments in respect of that scheme year.

The position is that processing of the 2006 National Reserve applications will commence shortly and the intention is to make allocations to successful applicants at the earliest opportunity. A formal letter outlining my Department's decision on the 2006 National Reserve will issue to the person named as soon as his application has been processed.

Michael Ring

Question:

739 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be awarded the REP scheme payment which is due to them. [14402/07]

The application for payment in this case was received on 16th February 2007 and is being processed in line with the targets agreed with the farming bodies.

Tom Hayes

Question:

740 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary under the single payment scheme. [14413/07]

The position is that two applications for the Transfer of Entitlements under the 2006 Single Payment Scheme to the person named were submitted on the 15th May 2006 and the 15th November 2006 respectively. The second application was accepted even though the closing date for completed applications to transfer entitlements was the 16th May 2006.

During processing of the applications it was necessary for an official of my Department to write to the person named to seek clarification on certain matters relating to the applications. Further documentation was received on both the 5th February 2007 and the 27th February 2007. These applications are now fully processed.

The person named also applied under the Consolidation measure of the Single Payment Scheme. This application is currently being processed and payment will issue shortly.

Pat Breen

Question:

741 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will receive a single farm payment for 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14423/07]

The position is that an application for the Transfer of Entitlements under the 2006 Single Payment Scheme to the person named was submitted on the 24th April 2006. During processing of the application it was necessary for an official of my Department to write to the person named to seek clarification on certain matters relating to the application. The requested documentation was received and the application is now fully processed. Payment in respect of 29.22 transferred entitlements will issue shortly.

Denis Naughten

Question:

742 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the implications for sugar beet growers and contractors of the review of the EU restructuring fund for the sugar industry; if same could reduce the level of payment or delay the issue of the first instalment of the payment; the measures she is taking to ensure that the first instalment is made on time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14438/07]

The EU Commission has not yet put forward a proposal for a review of the restructuring fund but is expected to do so at the next meeting of the Council of Ministers in May. Under the current EU Regulations, the first instalment (40%) of the restructuring aid would fall to be paid in June 2007 and the balance in February 2008. Final payment arrangements are subject to the outcome of Greencore's legal challenge to the Government decision of July 2006 concerning the allocation of the restructuring aid. The hearing of this case is due to begin in the High Court next week. If necessary, arrangements have been made to allow interim payments be made in June.

John Perry

Question:

743 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food in regard to the transfer of entitlement under single farm payments for a person (details supplied), when it will be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14449/07]

The position is that an application for the Transfer of Entitlements under the 2006 Single Payment Scheme to the first person named was submitted on the 11th April 2006. The application is now fully processed and payment of €1732.95 in respect of 8.69 transferred entitlements issued to the first person named on the 12th April 2007.

John Perry

Question:

744 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the transfer of entitlement under single farm payments for a person (details supplied); when it will be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14450/07]

The position is that an application for the Transfer of Entitlements under the 2006 Single Payment Scheme to the first person named was submitted on the 12th April 2006.

During processing of the application, it was necessary for an official of my Department to write to the first person named to seek specific documentation relating to the application. The requested information was received and the application is now fully processed. Payment of €1999.91 in respect of 8.84 transferred entitlements issued to the first person named on the 12th April 2007.

John Perry

Question:

745 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the single payment entitlement transfer will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14474/07]

The position is that an application for the Transfer of Entitlements under the 2006 Single Payment Scheme from the first named person was submitted on the 25th April 2006.

The Regulations governing the transfer of entitlements allow that Single Payment entitlements may be transferred without land only if the transferor has used at least 80% of his payment entitlements in one calendar year. This application for the transfer of entitlements from the first person named was rejected as he did not use 80% of his entitlements in 2005.

A formal letter outlining this decision has issued to the persons named and an official from my Department also made direct contact with the persons named outlining the position.

Bovine Diseases.

Joe Higgins

Question:

746 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will commission experts independent of her Department to examine the handling of instances of cattle sickness and deaths in a number of cases (details supplied). [14491/07]

My Department along with other agencies carried out extensive investigations to establish the sources of problems in respect of the cases mentioned, some of which occurred several years ago. The herdowners involved were kept informed of progress and, where appropriate, reports were produced detailing progress.

In view of the expertise employed and the involvement of agencies other than my Department in the investigations, I do not believe that the commissioning of experts independent of my Department would necessarily contribute in any significant way to the investigation of such cases.

Question No. 747 answered with QuestionNo. 728.

Paudge Connolly

Question:

748 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will increase the age limit from 30 to 36 months of age for BSE testing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14506/07]

The requirement that all bovine animals over 30 months of age, slaughtered for human consumption, must be tested for BSE is provided for in Regulation (EC) No. 999/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council, laying down rules for the prevention, control and eradication of certain transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (The TSE Regulation). Accordingly I do not have the discretion to raise this age threshold, as I would wish to do in view of the major progress achieved here in relation to BSE.

I have made repeated efforts to have the age thresholds for the various categories of animals changed, based on the results of surveillance carried out here and the continuing decline in the incidence of the disease, which is continuing into 2007. Under the recently amended TSE Regulation there is provision for Member States to seek revisions to their monitoring programmes (including changes to the age at which healthy slaughtered animals for human consumption must be tested for BSE) in response to their improved BSE situation. However, before Member States can apply for revised BSE surveillance arrangements, eligibility criteria as well as the baseline requirements for any revised monitoring programmes, must be agreed at EU level.

This matter is currently under discussion at Working Group level in Brussels. I have very recently written and spoken to the Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection asking him to expedite finalisation of the criteria and processes to enable Member States to introduce higher age limits for testing healthy slaughtered animals. He has assured me that the Commission is giving this matter a high level of priority and, once the discussions have been concluded at working group level, the Commission will present a proposal for adoption of these criteria to the Standing Committee on Animal Health and the Food Chain. As soon as the eligibility criteria are adopted and published Member States will then be able to apply to the Commission for approval for changes to their surveillance programmes and I intend that Ireland will be among the very first Member States to apply for such approval.

Question No. 749 answered with QuestionNo. 729.

Food Labelling.

Paudge Connolly

Question:

750 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans to ensure that adequate personnel and resources are provided to ensure that legislation requiring country of origin labelling for beef imports is complied with; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14508/07]

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has the responsibility to enforce food law, including the legislation on country of origin labelling for beef. The Authority has contracted for the enforcement of the relevant regulations with the Health Service Executive, whose Environmental Health Officers carry the compliance checks. There are some 400 Environmental Health Officers working on the enforcement of food legislation including the beef labelling regulations. The checks are done as part of the normal routine food safety inspections. The matter is kept under constant review, by the HSE and the FSAI, to ensure as far as possible maximum compliance with the law in this area.

Paudge Connolly

Question:

751 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she proposes to extend country of origin labelling to lamb; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14509/07]

Paudge Connolly

Question:

752 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she proposes to extend country of origin labelling to pork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14510/07]

Paudge Connolly

Question:

753 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she proposes to extend country of origin labelling to chicken; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14511/07]

Paudge Connolly

Question:

755 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she proposes to extend country of origin labelling to bacon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14513/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 751, 752, 753 and 755 together.

All beef sold or served in the retail or catering sector is now required by law to carry an indication of country of origin. There are EU Regulations which provide for the labelling of unprocessed poultrymeat at retail level. The information which these regulations require on the label includes the registered number of the slaughterhouse or cutting plant and, where imported from a Third Country, an indication of country of origin. There are no specific EU regulations governing the labelling of pigmeat or sheepmeat beyond the general food labelling regulations which do not require ‘country of origin' information.

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

The primary legislation enacted by the Oireachtas last year, under which our beef labelling requirements concerning country of origin were extended to the catering sector, also allows for the extension of country of origin labelling to other meats. However, because different origin labelling requirements apply to other meats in the retail sector under current EU legislation and, different systems of traceability are in operation coupled with some import/export complexities, it is not as straightforward as it is for beef. The European Commission, you will be aware, has opposed Member States introducing legislation in this area that is in excess of common EU requirements. Nonetheless, my Department has been involved in consultations with the Department of Health and Children on draft new regulations to require operators in the retail and catering sectors to provide country of origin information on poultrymeat, pigmeat (including pork and bacon) and sheepmeat. It is my intention to submit these regulations, when they are finalised, to the European Commission for approval as required by EU legislation.

Of course, the preferred way forward is that the Commission would progress the question of country of origin labelling of all meat at EU level. I have been in regular contact with the European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection on this subject. I have also raised this issue in the Agriculture Council and will continue to take every opportunity to press for progress on this matter. I have also used the opportunity provided by bilateral meetings with EU Ministerial colleagues to seek their support for EU action on Country of Origin Labelling and so far have been encouraged by their response.

Last year the Health and Consumer Protection Directorate of the European Commission undertook a consultative process on a wide range of issues in this area, under a document entitled Labelling: Competitiveness, Consumer Information and Better Regulation for the EU. I arranged for my Department to make a submission on food labelling and country of origin labelling of meat in particular to the Department of Health and Children, who co-ordinated the Irish contribution to this process. This confirmed my strong preference for origin labelling of meat and meat products and the desirability of there being common EU-wide legislation to support a labelling regime. In the meantime, my Department will continue its work on the drafting of national measures.

Bovine Diseases.

Paudge Connolly

Question:

754 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans, in view of the improved brucellosis position here, to protect this situation with the implementation of controls in relation to imported animals from regions where the disease is prevalent; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14512/07]

The incidence of Brucellosis has been falling progressively in recent years. For example, the number of laboratory positives has fallen from 6,417 in 1998 to 212 in 2006. The total number of animals slaughtered under the eradication programme fell from 29,778 to 388 during the same period. There has been a similar decline in the number of herds depopulated from 328 in 1998 to 3 in 2006.

The success of the eradication scheme and the progress achieved to date is due to a number of factors including continued co-operation from all parties with the eradication regime, the rapid depopulation of infected herds, the tightening up on illegal cattle movements through the Cattle Movement Monitoring System, the regulation of dealers, prosecutions for breaches and the imposition of penalties for failures to comply with animal disease and identification regulations.

With regard to imports, trade in live animals within the European Union is governed by EU Directive 64/432/EEC which, inter alia, requires imported animals to have come from officially brucellosis free herds and, in particular, that brucellosis eligible animals must have been tested negatively for brucellosis in the 30 days prior to leaving the herd of origin. It is not open to my Department to unilaterally impose controls on imports from other Member States.

Farmers have, of course, an important role to play in protecting their own herds from disease. In view of the improvement in the brucellosis situation, it is more important than ever that farmers continue to adopt appropriate replacement policies and implement effective bio-security measures on their premises. I would emphasise that, if farmers have to buy in any replacement stock, they should do so from known sources. This applies particularly to some calves and young female stock which can carry Brucellosis without showing any signs and without it showing up in blood tests until they calve or abort later in the herd.

With regard to imports from Northern Ireland, close co-operation exists between my Department and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Northern Ireland in relation to trade in cattle and the eradication of brucellosis. My Department has increased its surveillance on cross border trade and, in particular, on cows slaughtered in factories close to the border. Northern Ireland imports are tested for Brucellosis post import.

I place a high priority in maintaining Ireland's high status in relation to animal health and welfare in the context of protecting consumers and in view of the economic and social importance of agriculture to the country. It remains essential that we anticipate wherever possible and maintain the capability of dealing effectively with any threats in this area, from wherever they emerge. A comprehensive approach to these threats involves ongoing surveillance and the continued operation of schemes to reduce and eventually eradicate diseases of significant importance, such as TB and Brucellosis. With regard to Brucellosis, I am confident that this progress achieved to date can be maintained into the future and that the goal of eradication is now a realistic prospect. I am grateful for the co-operation of all of the parties who have contributed to this success and I look forward to their continued co-operation in the eradication of a disease which has created so much difficulty for many farmers over the years.

Question No. 755 answered with QuestionNo. 751.

Food Industry.

Paudge Connolly

Question:

756 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans to ensure Government support for the horticulture industry and producers of fruit and vegetables, to assist in bringing farmers together to qualify for EU funding for their producers’ organisations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14514/07]

My Department has contributed to the development of the horticulture industry particularly through its grant aid schemes under the National Development Plan 2000-2006. These schemes have been a catalyst for investment and growth and have assisted producers to upgrade or develop new production facilities and have also enabled commercial enterprises to improve marketing and processing facilities with a total grant aid of up to €40m being paid out to the fruit, vegetable and potato sectors.

The Scheme to assist capital investment on farms under the National Development Plan 2007-2013 aims to promote the specialisation and diversification of on-farm activities, improvement in the quality of products and to facilitate the development of environmentally friendly practices. Funding of some €49m for this sector will support investments in excess of €122m over the period of the scheme. Grant aid of €6.5m will be provided to support investments of some €16m in 2007. Further aid will also be made available under the Capital Investment Scheme for the Marketing and Processing of Agricultural Products to operators in the horticulture sector.

In addition to these two schemes, fruit and vegetable producers benefit from EU aid under the Producer Organisation (PO) scheme. POs provide their members the opportunity to concentrate marketing, reduce production costs and stabilize prices. The EU proposals for reform of the Common Organisation of the market for fruit and vegetables, which were presented to the Agriculture Council on 29 January, identify a strengthening of the role for POs as the core part of the strategy for improving the competitiveness of the fruit and vegetable sector in the future. The proposals include measures for crisis management organized through POs and enhanced aid for measures both within and outside the PO framework to promote consumption of fruit and vegetables particularly by young people. It is expected that a new Regulation will be published later this year and will be effective from 1 January 2008.

Since 2000, twenty Irish POs have benefited from EU funding amounting to €24m. With proposals now on the table for greater flexibility in the EU rules, governing the formation and operation of POs, I hope to see them playing a much greater role in the future in supporting Irish producers of fruit and vegetables.

Paudge Connolly

Question:

757 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans to ensure that an accurate annual register of potato growers is put in place, which would provide the industry with accurate records of areas and locations of potato planting here each year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14515/07]

Under the Registration of Potato Growers and Potato Packers Act, 1984, as amended, any person who grows or packs potatoes must be registered with this Department. The grower's registration number must be placed on the bag/label/container or in the case of a packer, both the packer's registration number and that of the grower. These registration numbers can be viewed by the consumer on the Departments website to establish the source of the potatoes. The Department continually updates the register to include new growers and remove those who have exited the industry.

The legislation also provides that both growers and packers maintain detailed records of all quantities of potatoes purchased or sold. Growers are required to maintain accurate records of seed source, quantities grown by variety and sales. This information must, on request, be furnished to the Department. The data for 2006 which were collected by the Department from growers have been submitted to Bord Bia for analysis and this information will be used in the compilation of the National Potato Census (2006) which is expected to be published shortly.

Grant Payments.

Paudge Connolly

Question:

758 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans to fund and implement a 40% grant scheme for on-farm grain storage and processing facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14516/07]

Under the 2007-2013 Rural Development Programme, it is proposed to introduce a grant scheme to support investments in relation to on-farm grain storage and related facilities. The Scheme will be introduced as soon as EU approval is received for the Programme.

Food Industry.

Paudge Connolly

Question:

759 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans to ensure that farmers and their representative associations be permitted to negotiate prices and conditions for their products against powerful big business interests; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14517/07]

Changes in food prices are primarily a function of market forces at international, EU and national levels. How these changes come about is a complex matter based on demand, input costs and the ability to supply product at a competitive price. For a country that exports almost 80 per cent of their agricultural output, competitiveness is the major issue for the farming and food processing sectors. It will dictate the commercial future of our farms and ultimately it will decide farm income.

The State's role is to facilitate a climate that assists competitive drive and innovation, for example, through the implementation of the Agri Vision 2015 Action Plan. At EU level a range of market support measures are operated, while the exchequer and the EU together also provide almost €2 billion per year in direct payments to support farm income.

Farm Inspections.

Paudge Connolly

Question:

760 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if, in relation to on-farm inspections, she will ensure that 14 days advance notice of inspections for all schemes will be given; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14518/07]

The position is that the policy towards on-farm inspection has been to give advance notification of up to 48 hours in all cases. This policy of systematic preannouncement of inspections was questioned by the European Commission in July 2006 and its unacceptability was conveyed to my Department in a formal communication in August. As a result, my Department was obliged to agree to a proportion of Single Payment Scheme inspections being carried out in 2006 without prior notification.

The EU regulations governing the Single Payment Scheme would allow my Department to give prenotification of inspection in all cases where certain elements of cross-compliance are involved e.g. the Nitrates Regulations. However, my Department is committed, in the Charter of Rights for Farmers 2005-2007 to carrying out all Single Payment Scheme and Disadvantaged Area Scheme checks during one single farm visit in most cases. This then obliges my Department to respect the advance notice requirements applicable to the most stringent element of the inspection regime viz. maximum of 48 hours notice but with no advance notice in a proportion of cases.

My Department believes that prenotification of Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme inspections fits in with the practicalities of Irish agriculture where increasingly, farmers are also engaged in off-farm employment. In a decoupled Single Payment Scheme system, the provision of advance notification of inspection to the farmer should not negatively impact on the effectiveness of the control. However, as the EU regulations stand, my Department is obliged to carry out a proportion of inspections without prior notification and this is what was done in 2006.

The Commission report documenting a review on cross-compliance was formally presented to the Council of Ministers meeting on 16th April. It is the intention of the Presidency to have the report examined at Special Agriculture Committee level with decisions to be taken by Ministers in June. The Commission's report makes proposals for changes in a number of areas including advance notice of checks up to 14 days "provided the purpose of the checks is not jeopardised". However, the report says that controls on the identification and registration of animals (for eligibility or for cross compliance) and on compliance with feed and food law, animal health and animal welfare rules will remain in principle unannounced due to the mandatory requirements of EU legislation.

At the Council of Ministers I voiced my concern in the strongest terms about the whole question of unannounced inspections and the Commission's proposals that controls on identification and registration of animals, compliance with feed and food law and animal health and welfare will remain "in principle" unannounced. I fully accept that it is a critical element of any control system that the inspection visit is implemented in such a way that its purpose is not jeopardised. In my view however, systematic unannounced inspections are not necessary to achieve this objective but add significantly to cost and inefficiencies at a time when simplification is the aspiration.

I accept that there should always be a possibility of carrying out some unannounced controls and historically Ireland has always adopted this approach where it was deemed necessary. I therefore asked the Commission to re-consider its proposals for systematic unannounced inspections.

I will continue to press this point in the CAP simplification process.

Grant Payments.

John Perry

Question:

761 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a decision will be made on an application for a slatted shed by a person (details supplied) in County Sligo; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14558/07]

The person concerned is an applicant under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. A decision will be made in relation to the application as soon as possible.

Denis Naughten

Question:

762 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a disadvantaged area payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14581/07]

The person named submitted an application for the 2006 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme and was paid €2,147.20 on 22 September 2006. The payable order was cashed on 12 October 2006.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

763 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if payment in respect of ewes in disadvantaged areas will be increased by €15 when sold; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14600/07]

Under the Area Based Compensatory Allowance Scheme, payment is based on eligible forage lands within the Disadvantaged Areas and designated as More Severely Handicapped (lowland), Less Severely Handicapped (lowland) and Mountain Type Grazings. The total area now designated as disadvantaged comprises almost 75% of Ireland's total land area.

The lands must be used for the grazing of cattle, sheep, horses, goats and deer and a minimum stocking density of 0.15 livestock units per forage hectare applies. Under the 2006 Scheme around 101,400 farmers have been paid to date, and of these almost 30,000 had sheep. The 2007 Scheme, for which €257 million has been allocated, forms part of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013, which awaits EU Commission approval. It is proposed to pay an across-the-board increase of 8% over and above the 2006 basic rates to each eligible farmer in the following order on up to 45 forage hectares: €109.71 for each of the first 10 hectares of Mountain Land or part thereof; €95.99 for each of the next 35 hectares of Mountain Land or part thereof; €95.99 per hectare on More Severely Handicapped (lowland); €82.27 per hectare on Less Severely Handicapped (lowland).

All livestock premia on a headage basis were discontinued in 2005 in the context of Ireland's decision to decouple such premia from production to be replaced by the new Single Farm Payment.

Sugar Beet Production.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

764 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when beet growers will receive compensation arising from the closure of both the Carlow and Mallow sugar factories; the amount of compensation owing for same; her views on making an interim payment while the pending court case between Greencore and the State is being held; and if she or her Department has had recent discussions with Greencore asking it to withdraw its legal challenge. [14601/07]

The compensation package negotiated in the context of the reform of the EU sugar regime comprises three elements worth in excess of €310m to Ireland.

The first element is the sugar beet compensation which has been incorporated into the Single Payment Scheme with effect from last year. It is worth approximately €123 million to Irish beet growers over seven years.

The second element is the EU restructuring aid for the sugar industry, which arises following the renunciation of the sugar quota and the closure of the Mallow sugar factory. In Ireland's case restructuring aid is worth €145m approximately. Under the EU Regulations, the first instalment of aid (40%) would fall to be paid in June 2007 and the balance in February 2008. Final payment arrangements are subject to the outcome of Greencore's legal challenge to the Government decision of July 2006 concerning the allocation of the restructuring aid. The hearing of this case is due to begin in the High Court next week. If necessary, arrangements have been made to allow interim payments be made in June. In view of the litigation it would be inappropriate for me to comment further.

The third element of the compensation package is the diversification aid, worth almost €44m in Ireland's case. A national restructuring programme was submitted to the EU Commission, in accordance with the EU Regulations, with a view to drawing down the diversification aid. The Regulations provide that payment of this aid would commence in September 2007.

Grant Payments.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

765 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will ensure that the application for transfer of farm entitlements for a person (details supplied) in Cork south west is processed straight away in order that the matter can be finalised. [14602/07]

The person named has received his full Single Payment for 2006. His payment was based on his standard entitlements. My Department has no record of having received an application to transfer entitlements either to or from the person named under the 2006 or 2007 Single Payment Scheme.

Applications for the transfer of entitlements under the 2007 Single Payment Scheme may be accepted up until the closing date of the 4th May 2007. An official from my Department made direct contact with the person named to clarify the position and it is understood that an application to transfer entitlements from the person named in respect of the 2007 Single Payment Scheme will be received shortly.

Compensation Payments.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

766 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her Department has plans to compensate farmers who lost large sums of money with the collapse of the Tralee Beef and Lamb factory in 2001, particularly in view of the fact that some suppliers lost tens of thousands of euro; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14603/07]

You will be aware that this company went into receivership in October 2001, and a liquidator was appointed early in 2002. The payment of monies owed is a matter to be resolved between creditors and the liquidator. For this reason it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in the matter.

Grant Payments.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

767 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the single farm payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14661/07]

The position is that an application for the Transfer of Entitlements under the Single Payment Scheme to the person named was submitted on the 24th April 2006. During processing of the Transfer application it was found that the entitlements concerned were not registered in the name of the transferor. The entitlements had to firstly be transferred by inheritance to the transferor. Arrangements were made for the issue of an inheritance application form and this has now been fully processed.

The application to transfer the entitlements by way of lease to the person named has also been fully processed and payment in respect of 8.20 transferred entitlements will issue shortly. The person named has also made an application under the Consolidation measure of the Single Payment Scheme. This application will now be processed and payment will issue shortly.

Michael Ring

Question:

768 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if persons born before 1 January 1975 must have a green certificate or have completed at least 180 hours of a course in order to qualify for the installation aid grant. [14662/07]

The current Installation Aid Scheme applies to farmers set up for the first time in farming on or before 31 December 2006. By virtue of the terms of that Scheme, applicants born before 1 January 1975 must have, at the date of set-up or within two years of that date, a minimum of three years' experience in farming and have satisfactorily completed approved courses of training in farming of a minimum duration of 180 hours. Applicants engaged in certain specialized enterprises (e.g. mushrooms, nursery stock) may be required to complete an additional 60 hours training in that particular enterprise.

Applicants set up in farming on or after 1 January 2007 will be eligible to apply for grant-aid under the proposed new Young Farmers' Installation Scheme which will be introduced as soon as EU approval is received for the 2007-2013 Rural Development Programme.

Michael Ring

Question:

769 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the transfer of entitlements to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be completed in order that their single farm payment for 2006 can issue; and the delay in this regard as it has been ongoing for several months. [14663/07]

The position is that an application for the Transfer of Entitlements under the 2006 Single Payment Scheme to the second named person was received on the 30th November 2006. The application was accepted even though the closing date for completed applications to transfer entitlements was 16th May 2006. During processing of the application, it was necessary for an official of my Department to write to the second named person to seek clarification on certain matters relating to the application. The requested information was received and the application is now fully processed. Payment in respect of 79.02 entitlements transferred by way of inheritance will issue shortly.

The delay in processing the application to finality was due to the fact that the first person named submitted an application under a separate measure of the Single Payment scheme and that application had to be processed before entitlements could be transferred to the second named person.

David Stanton

Question:

770 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason for the delay in processing an application for the single farm payment for a person (details supplied) in County Cork; when payment will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14664/07]

The person named submitted an application to transfer in entitlements by way of Private Contract Clause. All outstanding issues relating to the transfer have been resolved and the outstanding payment due will issue to the applicant shortly.

Willie Penrose

Question:

771 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if, when a person applies for a farm modernisation and improvement grant, they will be given an indication of the precise amount of the grant they will receive upon approval, and in particular where they qualify for the maximum of 70% that the specific costing that would be utilised by her Department which would indicate the nature and size of the grant will be proffered to the applicant in order that they can evaluate and assess the amount the actual works they are engaged in carrying out will actually cost them in real terms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14715/07]

The revised Standard Costings used to calculate the level of grants under the Farm Waste Management Scheme are now available on my Department's web-site. Farmers, together with their advisers, are therefore in a position to determine the level of grant likely to be available for proposed works.

Equine Sector.

Joe Walsh

Question:

772 Mr. Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of authorised officers in her Department dealing with equine passport controls; the number of spot checks carried out to date in 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14723/07]

My Department has to date concentrated on a publicity campaign to remind the public of the requirements for identification documents for horses. In the context of developing the processes for deploying the authorized officers my Department noted that there is a need to enhance the powers of the officers, which will entail an amendment to the 2004 Regulations. The Regulations are therefore, being examined in my Department with a view to making appropriate amendments extending the powers of the authorised officers. It is hoped to complete this work over the coming weeks and to assign officers with enhanced powers to the work of monitoring compliance with these regulations.

EU Directives.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

773 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason the derogation regarding the nitrates directive as agreed in November 2006 has not been signed into Irish law; the implications of this delay; and if the principal of force majeure will be available to farmers in animal disease situations under the nitrates regulations. [14759/07]

Although Ireland's application for a derogation has been approved by the EU Nitrates Committee, the European Commission has not yet issued its formal decision. Until it does so, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government cannot make the necessary amendments to the Regulations.

Though the Regulations themselves and the draft Commission decision do not provide for it, force majeure is recognized in European law and I am satisfied that genuine situations arising from animal disease will not cause difficulties for farmers in the context of the implementation of the Nitrates Directive.

Grant Payments.

Tom Hayes

Question:

774 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason for the delay in the issue of payment to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary under the single farm payment scheme for 2006; and when payment will issue. [14763/07]

An application under the 2006 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 10 April 2006. Under EU Regulations, an applicant must declare an eligible hectare for each Single Payment entitlement held in order to benefit from the full Single Payment. This requirement was set out clearly in documentation provided to farmers on a number of occasions since 2004. In relation to the claim of the person named to commonage lands at Glenary, there is an over-claim involving the applicant and various other parties. As grazing rights on Glenary were the subject of a Land Commission Vesting Order, claimants must have the legal right to claim their grazing share.

My Department's officials met the person named together with all the other parties also claiming grazing rights on Glenary with a view to finding a satisfactory agreement. As no agreement was forth coming, and as the Minister has no jurisdiction on title to lands, these lands are still over-claimed by the applicants. Therefore, the application of the person named remains in error and my Department is not in a position to progress this case any further as matters stand.

An application under the 2006 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was also received on 10 April 2006. My Department is not in a position to progress this application any further for the reasons outlined above.

Tom Hayes

Question:

775 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason for the delay in the issue of payment to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary under the single payment scheme for 2006; and when payment will issue. [14764/07]

An application under the 2006 Single Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 10 April 2006. Under EU Regulations, an applicant must declare an eligible hectare for each Single Payment entitlement held in order to benefit from the full Single Payment. This requirement was set out clearly in documentation provided to farmers on a number of occasions since 2004. In relation to the claim of the person named to commonage lands at Glenary, there is an over-claim involving the applicant and various other parties. As grazing rights on Glenary were the subject of a Land Commission Vesting Order, claimants must have the legal right to claim their grazing share.

My Department's officials met the person named together with all the other parties also claiming grazing rights on Glenary with a view to finding a satisfactory agreement. As no agreement was forth coming, and as the Minister has no jurisdiction on title to lands, these lands are still over-claimed by the applicants. Therefore, the application of the person named remains in error and my Department is not in a position to progress this case any further as matters stand.

An application under the 2006 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was also received on 10 April 2006. My Department is not in a position to progress this application any further for the reasons outlined above.

Denis Naughten

Question:

776 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will receive an allocation under the single farm payment national reserve; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14792/07]

The person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the 2006 Single Payment Scheme National Reserve under Category A. Category A caters for farmers who inherited land or received land free of charge or for a nominal sum from a farmer who had retired or died by 16 May, 2005 and who had leased out his/her holding to a third party during the reference period 2000 to 2002.

The person named has submitted documentation in support of his application and my Department has requested further documentation with regard to the leased lands. My Department is still awaiting this documentation and when it is received this case will be processed further.

Question No. 777 answered with QuestionNo. 736.

Departmental Correspondence.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

778 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she has received Macra na Feirme policy correspondence (details supplied); her plans in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14822/07]

The Deputy is referring to the Macra na Feirme paper on ‘Policy Issues for General Election 2007'. It has understood that this document has been referred to the political parties but has not been submitted by Macra na Feirme to this Department for consideration.

Grant Payments.

David Stanton

Question:

779 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a single farm payment will be issued in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14840/07]

Under the 2006 Single Payment Scheme, the person named submitted both a payment application form and a Transfer of Entitlements form. It subsequently transpired that the person named was not in a position to proceed with the transfer request. An official of my Department has been in direct contact with the person named and it is expected that the payment due in respect of the entitlements held by him will issue shortly.

John Perry

Question:

780 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the area aid payment will be issued to a person (details supplied) as all the relevant maps have been furnished; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14862/07]

The position is that an application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 15th May 2006. As part of the control procedures, the application was randomly selected for a Satellite Inspection. The results of the Satellite Inspection indicated that there was a discrepancy in the area claimed by the applicant. As a result of this discrepancy it was necessary to issue a request for a Ground Eligibility Inspection to be completed.

The Ground Eligibility Inspection was undertaken on the 14th November 2006. During the course of the inspection discrepancies were found with a number of parcels. As a result of these discrepancies the claimed area of 35.65ha was reduced to 25.58ha. The person named was informed of these findings on the 6th December 2006. Under EU regulations, if the total number of eligible hectares found on inspection is not sufficient to support the number of entitlements held a penalty is applied as set out in the Terms and Conditions of the scheme. In this case the number of entitlements held by the person named is 55.8. As the difference between the area declared and the area found is more than 20%, under EU Regulations, no payment will issue.

The person named requested a review of this decision. The review is currently being considered and a decision will be communicated to the applicant as soon as possible. He also has the right to appeal the outcome of this review. The person named also made application under the Consolidation measure of the 2006 Single Payment Scheme. This application will be fully reviewed on completion of the review of the decision outlined above.

Denis Naughten

Question:

781 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will be approved for the farm waste management grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14885/07]

The person concerned is an applicant under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. The application is currently being processed and a decision in relation to grant-aid will be made shortly.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

782 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason for the delay in the payment of a single farm payment following the transfer of entitlements on an application made in April 2006 in respect of a person (details supplied) in Cork south west; and if payment will be arranged without further delay. [14903/07]

The position is that an application for the Transfer of Entitlements under the 2006 Single Payment Scheme to the person named and a third party was submitted on the 24th April 2006. During processing of the application it was necessary for an official of my Department to request specific documentation relating to the application. The requested documentation was received and the application is now fully processed. Payment in respect of 13.57 transferred entitlements will issue shortly.

Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

783 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when REP scheme four will be available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15038/07]

REPS 4 will form part of the new Rural Development Programme for the period from 2007 to 2013. The Programme was sent to the European Commission in late December 2006 and has to go through its approval process. I cannot be definite as to how long this process will take but I continue to pursue early approval. My officials are in ongoing contact about it with their counterparts in the Commission services.

Farm Retirement Scheme.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

784 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the new farm retirement scheme will be approved by the EU Commission in the near future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15039/07]

Proposals for a new Early Retirement Scheme, with a maximum annual pension payment rate of €15,000, have been included in the draft Rural Development Programme for the period 2007–2013. The draft Programme was sent to the Commission in late December 2006 to begin the approval process. I cannot be definite as to how long this process will take but I continue to pursue early approval and my officials are in ongoing contact with their counterparts in the Commission services.

Installation Aid Scheme.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

785 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a review can or will be undertaken regarding application for installation aid in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15047/07]

The person concerned was notified of his ineligibility under the Installation Aid Scheme by Department letter of 13 March 2007. That letter offered the applicant the opportunity to seek a review of that decision and I will now arrange for such a review to be carried out.

Grant Payments.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

786 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding the present application by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare for national reserve; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15048/07]

The person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the 2006 Single Payment Scheme National Reserve under Categories A and B.

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 B caters for farmers who commenced farming after 31 December, 2002 or who commenced farming in 2002 but who received no direct payments in respect of that scheme year. My Department has requested further documentation with regard to processing this application. When this documentation is received my Department will process this case further.

It should be noted that the rules governing the single payment scheme stipulate that an applicant who is found to be eligible under more than one category in the Reserve may only receive an allocation of entitlements under whichever category is most beneficial.

Food Industry.

Seán Ryan

Question:

787 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on whether the vegetable industry here could become unviable unless a mechanism is found to address the price and costs squeeze that the growers finds themselves in; the way the balance between the growers and supermarkets can be redressed to ensure the future production of Irish vegetables; and the steps she proposes to take to make the vegetable industry here viable into the future. [15080/07]

The vegetable sector is a very important sector of the horticultural industry which is capable of further substantial growth and development. The value of farm gate output of the fresh vegetables sector in 2006 is estimated at €80m of which outdoor field vegetables were valued at approximately €60m. While there has been a consolidation of grower numbers over the last number of years, production has remained relatively steady. As is common for all sectors of the food industry the vegetable sector has experienced strong competitive pressures from the highly concentrated retail chain which has resulted in static or falling prices. However, to assist the development of a competitive, consumer focused horticultural industry, my Department provides substantial support through the EU Producer Organisation Scheme and the National Development Plan.

The Producer Organisation Scheme provides a mechanism for producers to work together to strengthen their position in the market place by becoming part of a larger supply base, and thereby putting them in a position to negotiate more effectively with the supermarket multiples. Since 2000 over €24m in EU aid has been paid out to Irish POs of which fruit and vegetable POs have received approximately €2m. The proposals for reform of the Common Organisation of the Market for Fruit and Vegetables, which were presented to the Agriculture Council on 29 January, identify a strengthening of the role for POs as the core part of the strategy for improving the competitiveness of the fruit and vegetable sector in the future. The number of vegetable growers involved in Producer Organisations is relatively small and all growers should be encouraged to consider the potential benefits which membership can bring to their enterprise.

Under the 2000-2006 NDP Scheme of Investment Aid for development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector, over €20m has been paid out of which in excess of €3m was provided to vegetable producers. This scheme has enabled vegetable growers to reduce costs and improve the quality of products. Further grant aid of €10.5m has been provided for downstream developments in the edible horticulture industry of which the vegetable sector has been the main beneficiary. €6.5m will be provided in 2007 for horticultural producers under the new National Development Plan 2007-2013. Some €49m will be provided for horticultural producers towards investments in excess of €122m over the seven-year period. In accordance with the Agri-Vision 2015 Action Plan this support, which will be strategically targeted, will improve the overall development and competitiveness of the sector.

Grant Payments.

John Deasy

Question:

788 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will examine the case of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford who maintains that their farm waste management grant was underpaid to the sum of €9,000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15130/07]

The person concerned is an applicant under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. Payment of grant-aid issued to the applicant on 20 March 2007. The applicant has, however, asked for a review of the amount paid and this review is currently being carried out.

Farm Improvement Scheme.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

789 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the expected date of the announcement of details of the farm improvement scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15168/07]

Under the 2007-2013 Rural Development Programme, it is proposed to introduce a Farm Improvement Scheme which will provide grant-aid for investments in relation to on-farm facilities. The Scheme will be introduced as soon as EU approval is received for the Programme.

Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

790 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not been granted their REP scheme for 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15174/07]

The person named had not done the required 20-hour training course when he submitted the 2006 application for payment. In accordance with the terms of REPS, his payment could not be issued until he did the course. Confirmation that the course had been done was subsequently received on 9 February 2007.

In the meantime, however, my Department's records revealed that the farming enterprise of the person named produced considerably in excess of the REPS upper limit of 170 kg organic nitrogen per hectare in 2005. This is a serious breach of the Scheme conditions. He was informed of this breach by letter on 4 September 2006 and was asked for an explanation. He indicated that he was not contesting the position. My Department will be writing to him again shortly.

Michael Ring

Question:

791 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when persons (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a REP scheme payment. [15247/07]

The application for payment in this case was received on 1 March 2007, and is being processed in line with the targets agreed with the farming bodies.

Grant Payments.

Michael Ring

Question:

792 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a forestry grant. [15280/07]

I understand that this case relates to a change of the declared forest ownership following a bereavement. The requisite form has issued recently to the person in question. Once the ownership issue is clarified, payment of the 2007 premium can be made.

Beverley Flynn

Question:

793 Ms Cooper-Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo, an applicant for extensification was awarded a penalty in 1994; and if the decision taken will be reviewed in view of the fact that the person made a genuine mistake. [15373/07]

The person named submitted two applications under the 1994 Special Beef Premium Scheme (in respect of three and six animals, respectively) and one application under the 1994 Suckler Cow Premium (in respect of nine animals). Following validation, payment issued in full in respect of all animals concerned under both these schemes.

In 1994, an Extensification Premium was payable, on male cattle and suckler cows, to producers whose stocking density was less than 1.4 livestock units per hectare. Records show the person named was not entitled to payment under this particular scheme as the stocking density of his holding exceeded the limit for eligibility.

Schools Building Projects.

Joan Burton

Question:

794 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the funding allocated for school development purposes at primary and secondary level for each of the years from 1997 to date in 2007; the capital funds allocated; the funds her Department has earmarked for future school development at primary and secondary level in the Dublin 15 area; the locations and patrons of such proposed schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14954/07]

The National Development Plan 2000-2006 identified the need for major investment in educational infrastructure in new and refurbished buildings, new equipment and information technology to make education more relevant to the needs of a modern economy.

The Department accelerated the school building programme with record levels of investment and the streamlining of delivery systems during the period 1997 to 2006. The Government is delivering on its commitment to provide modern facilities in schools and has progressively increased funding in recent years with an aggregate total of over €2.6 billion invested in the period from 2000 to 2006 in upgrading existing school infrastructure and providing new school accommodation at both first and second-level.

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

The annual investment in first and second level school buildings in the period 1997 to 2006 was as follows (millions):

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

92

133.3

194.2

257.48

317.73

344.09

326.94

331.1

501.3

524.67

The Government is delivering on its commitment to provide modern facilities in schools and will provide a further €4.8 billion for educational infrastructure over the period of the new National Development Plan 2007-2013. The allocation for 2007 alone is over €540m and this funding will delivery over 1,500 building projects. With regard to educational infrastructural provision in the Dublin 15 area into the 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. Considerable interventions have already been made by the Department to increase pupil places and these interventions are being backed up by a significant construction programme. In this regard, phase two of the building project at Mary Mother of Hope N.S., Littlepace is ahead of schedule to open for September 2007. This will provide a new 16 classroom facility for the area. I would like to point out that this school will also have the benefit of enhanced shared community facilities under an arrangement with Fingal County Council.

In addition, plans are being advanced to provide a new school for Castaheany Educate Together and St. Benedict's National School on a site in Ongar. The development of this site will provide a total of 40 classrooms to cater for up 1,000 primary pupils. These schools will also benefit from enhanced shared community facilities.

Other developments in the Dublin 15 area at primary level include the planned expansion of St. Brigid's National School in Castleknock, and extensions to St. Brigid's Boys and Girls National Schools in Blanchardstown. Design teams have recently been appointed for both of these projects. The Board of Management of St. Mochta's National School, agreed to expand its school to enable a four stream intake from September 2006. The extension project for this school as well as one for St Patrick's Junior and Senior Schools, Corduff were also included on the recent list of schools for the appointment of design teams.

The Department has secured a site in Tyrrelstown to provide permanent accommodation for Tyrrelstown Educate Together NS. The Department is in discussion with the school in relation to its interim requirement pending the delivery of its new school building which it will be moving to delivery as quickly as possible. In the Hollywoodsrath area, the Department has requested a site reservation for primary education under the local authority's area development planning process. It is intended to deliver a new school there commensurate with the delivery of housing developments. Further site reservations will be requested by the Department as the local authority develops out further plans for the general area. These too will be acquired and developed in line with demand.

At post primary level, I have given the go-ahead for the delivery of a new 1,000 pupil post-primary school in Phibblestown, Dublin 15. This new school will be delivered along with new schools in Donabate and Laytown under a design and build contract that is aimed at delivering 3,000 school places for these rapidly developing areas. The inclusion of these three projects in one bundle will further facilitate the achievement of value for money. The Department is working with the relevant parties on the delivery of these projects within the earliest possible timeframe.

At post primary level in Castleknock, the need for an additional school is being examined. With regard to the general situation, the practice has emerged in recent years of parents enrolling their children in more than one school. This has the result of inflating the number of children apparently seeking places and creates a difficulty in determining the true number of places required. The Department will monitor the situation closely, as it did in 2006, and liaise with school principals in the area to ensure that all eligible pupils seeking places for 2007 will have access to them.

School Transport.

Michael Ring

Question:

795 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will investigate the provision of transport for children (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the fact that it results in them having a ten hour day for school including their commute. [15029/07]

Michael Ring

Question:

918 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason children (details supplied) are being collected first in the morning and brought home last in the evening. [15024/07]

Michael Ring

Question:

919 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on whether there is a health and safety issue in relation to it taking ten hours for children to attend school due to their school transport provision (details supplied). [15025/07]

Michael Ring

Question:

920 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will urgently review the school transport provision to a school (details supplied) in County Mayo. [15026/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 795 and 918 to 920, inclusive, together.

The Deputy will be aware that the school transport service provided for the pupils referred to, in the details supplied, is within my Department's guidelines for the school transport scheme. Bus Éireann operates the school transport service on behalf of my Department. Routes are planned in such a way as to ensure that, as far as possible, eligible pupils have a reasonable level of service, while at the same time, ensuring that school transport vehicles are fully utilised in an efficient and cost effective manner. The parents of the pupils referred to by the Deputy, in the details supplied, should liaise, in the first instance, with the Transport Liaison Officer for County Mayo if they have specific concerns regarding safety in the operation of this service.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

796 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if transport to a school in County Kildare remains available to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15207/07]

My Department has been informed by the school referred to in the details supplied by the Deputy that the pupil in question continues to avail of a transport service to and from school.

School Accommodation.

Liz McManus

Question:

797 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science her policy in relation to the removal of a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow from the centre of Greystones town to the outskirts; the analysis she has done to ensure that there is sufficient capacity to meet future population needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14095/07]

The Department is in receipt of an application from the school to which the Deputy refers to re-locate. The request comes about because the existing school site, which is only c1.5 acres, is extremely restricted. This has several implications notably, for providing additionality at the school to meet its escalating demand for pupil places, to make adequate special needs provision and to position the school to implement the PE curriculum (it has virtually no outdoor play facilities).

The Department agrees that the school requires to be expanded and enhanced and that the possibility of doing so on the existing site is slight. Therefore, in principle, the Department has no difficulty with the request to re-locate. Having said that, while the Department would wish to see every school having state of the art facilities, it cannot nor would not insist that any school should move from a location where it is happy. The reality is that Greystones requires considerable extra primary accommodation in the coming years. The existing schools, including the one to which the Deputy refers are not capable of being developed to meet the extent of additionality required. Therefore, the Department will be building a new school in Greystones to meet emerging needs regardless of whether or not the school in question is involved in it and it is moving on a site acquisition for this purpose.

The Department has committed to examining alternative options suggested by the parents of the school in question to arrive at a satisfactory solution to its accommodation needs and this has been put in train.

Special Educational Needs.

Liz McManus

Question:

798 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science her policy in relation to providing ABA education for children who wish to have this particular service provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14096/07]

The Department's approach and policy is based on advice received from international experts on autism; NEPS; the Inspectorate; an analysis of research including that supplied by the IAA; and the report of the Irish Task Force on Autism. Advice was sought from international experts on research provided by the Irish Autism Action group and other research on educational interventions for children with autistic spectrum disorders and it is clear that this research does not support the exclusive usage of ABA or indeed the exclusive use of any other approach, as a basis for national educational provision for ASD children. It is for this reason that the Department's preferred policy is for a child centred approach where the approach to be taken is based on the individual child's needs. It is also important to bear in mind that school-based provision is being put in place throughout the country that will be in a position to provide for future cohorts of children and respond to their individual needs. My Department remains willing to review and consider any further research as and when it becomes available.

The Deputy will be aware of my commitment to ensuring that all children, including those with autism, receive an education appropriate to their needs. My Department's 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 supports a multi-skills approach in regard to the education of children with autism where a range of teaching methods are available e.g. Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH), ABA (Applied Behavioural Analysis), Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS).

In this regard my Department has established:

188 special classes for children with autism, attached to special and mainstream schools;

5 special classes for children with Asperger's Syndrome;

18 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 methodologies on a pilot basis — 2 of these facilities have yet to be established.

Schools Building Projects.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

799 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science when a decision will be made regarding a new school building for a school (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if the architects previously employed by her Department to design an extension for the old school, which is not proceeding, have been paid. [14105/07]

The original plan for the school referred to by the Deputy was to extend and refurbish the existing school building. However, due to increasing enrolments and the limited size of the site, it was decided that the best way forward was to build a complete new 16 classroom Generic Repeat Design school on a new site. A meeting has been arranged between my Department's Technical Staff and the Design Team for the original project to finalise the level of fees due for work already carried out on the original project and to agree a fee for the new project. Once the fees are agreed any outstanding monies will be paid without delay. I can assure the Deputy that the school and their Design Team are fully aware of the position.

Third Level Education.

Joe Costello

Question:

800 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to a document (details supplied); her views on the major issues for third level students raised in the document; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14108/07]

I am aware of the document referred to by the Deputy. My commitment and that of this Government to on-going improvements in higher education is clearly demonstrated by a range of policy developments and funding programmes, including those which encourage wider access to further and third level education.

Higher education in Ireland has come through a period of major expansion. Almost 45,000 new third level places have been created since this Government took Office in 1997 and there are now some 168,000 students in the system. The most recent participation study confirms the continuing trend. It shows that the national admission rate was 55% in 2004 — up from 44% in 1998. Overall investment in the sector on a per annum basis has more than doubled over that period. This stands at some €1.9 billion for the current year.

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 socio-economic groups continues to improve. For example, in 2004, between 33% and 40% of young people nationally from the semi-skilled and unskilled socio-economic groups went on to study in higher education compared to only 23% in 1998. New targets for participation will be developed in 2007, linked to the implementation of the National Development Plan 2007-2013.

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 to just over €2,000 in 1996/97. The allocation for student support schemes in this current year is in excess of €241m.

As the Deputy may already be aware, I plan to introduce a single unified scheme of maintenance grants for students in higher education which will, I believe, provide for a more coherent administrative system. The scheme, which will be underpinned by a new Student Support Bill, will facilitate consistency of application, improved client accessibility and ensure timely delivery of grants to those who need them most. The Student Support Bill is at an advanced stage of preparation. 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 achievements in this area.

With regard to higher education infrastructure, the NDP 2007-2013 provides for an investment of €1.975 billion in modernising campus facilities. This level of investment reflects the significance the Government attaches to infrastructure requirements in the sector.

In relation to student accommodation, a special tax incentive was introduced to encourage the provision of student rented residential accommodation in Section 50 of the Finance Act, 1999. The purpose of the relief was to increase the supply of quality accommodation for third level students. The scheme has been very successful in this respect. According to the Indecon Report on the Review of Property-based Tax Incentive Schemes published by the Department of Finance in February 2006, concerns now exist about over-supply of accommodation in the student accommodation sector.

Having regard to developments in the PLC sector, including the McIver Report, negotiations are currently on-going between the management and the unions. Concrete prioritised proposals in relation to PLC provision and focused in particular on the larger providers are currently being prepared. Provision has been included in the 2007 estimates for this purpose. It is important to emphasise that the arrangements for the PLC sector will be determined in the light of resources available and the implications for other areas of education. Further negotiations have been arranged for after Easter. All parties continue to be positively engaged in the process.

Student Accommodation.

Joe Costello

Question:

801 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will establish a task force on student accommodation for third level students; if she will give particular consideration to the accommodation needs of third level students in the Dublin area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14109/07]

The Deputy will be aware that a special tax incentive was introduced to encourage the provision of dedicated student residential accommodation in Section 50 of the Finance Act 1999. The purpose of the relief was to increase the supply of quality accommodation for third level students. The scheme has been very successful in this respect. The issue of task force on student accommodation would be a matter for my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and I will contact him to seek his views.

School Staffing.

Phil Hogan

Question:

802 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will sanction a full time learning support or resource teacher solely for a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14124/07]

John McGuinness

Question:

818 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if a full-time learning support and resource teacher will be approved solely for a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14308/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 802 and 818 together.

The school referred to by the Deputies currently has 1 full-time shared learning support/ resource teacher (LS/RT) post and is receiving 17.5 hours per week teaching support from this teacher.

My Department recently issued a new circular to all primary schools, Circular 0034/2007, in relation to arrangements for LS/RT and resource teacher (RT) posts for the 2007/2008 school year. In this regard, schools are required to return completed LSRT 1 forms to my Department for processing for the new school year. When this school's completed LSRT 1 form has been returned and examined in my Department, contact will be made with the school.

Schools Building Projects.

Jack Wall

Question:

803 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a new secondary school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14136/07]

My Department has identified a potentially suitable c. 13 acre site for this school and officials have entered into negotiations with the owner's agent in the matter. When a suitable site has been secured, a building project for the school in question will be considered for progression in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Adult Education.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

804 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the level of funding provided by her Department through the vocational educational committees for adult literacy; the level of funding provided for tutor training for adult basic literacy and for group tuition; if she plans to reduce this funding in 2008; and if her attention has been drawn to the fact that 500,000 people here have low levels of literacy. [14152/07]

I am aware that the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) carried out an international literacy survey of adults aged 16–64 in 1994/95. Findings indicated that approximately half a million people, 25% of Irish adults in that age-group, were at the lowest level (Level One), indicating a reading ability no higher than that of an average 12-year old.

Adult literacy is my top priority in Adult Education. There are no plans to reduce literacy funding at any stage in the future. In fact, the contrary is correct. In "Towards 2016", a commitment to increased investment has been made. In 2006, €20 million was provided to the VECs for their adult literacy activities. This year, in the region of €26 million will be provided for adult literacy through the VEC sector. This will increase the number of VEC adult literacy students from 35,000 to 38,000. There will be increased funding also in 2008 and 2009.

The Adult Literacy services are funded by my Department through annual grants to the Vocational Education Committees, which deliver the services locally. The disbursement of funds is a matter for each VEC, which, subject to its budget, decides the nature and extent of the Adult Literacy services to be provided in its area and the manner in which funds for these services should be spent. The organisation and location of courses are also matters for decision by the VECs.

My Department does not provide specific funding for tutor training to the VECs. However the VECs provide for tutor training from their annual funding provision. The level of funding provided is at the discretion of each individual VEC. In addition, the Department provides funding to other bodies which offer tutor training, viz. the National Adult Literacy Agency and Waterford Institute of Technology.

School Accommodation.

Jerry Cowley

Question:

805 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school (details supplied) in County Mayo is being considered for funding for extra classrooms, physical education hall and office space in view of the fact that its estimated enrolment for 2007 is 154 pupils and the projected enrolment for the next five years is increased considerably; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14167/07]

The assessment of the school's long term projected staffing, which will determine the school's accommodation needs into the future, is underway in the Department. When this has been finalised, a decision will be taken on how best to meet the school's current and future accommodation needs. The building project required to address the school's accommodation needs will be considered in the context of the multi annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Educational Disadvantage.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

806 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a school (details supplied) in Dublin 16 which has 36 Traveller children on the roll, is a designated disadvantaged school, has classes containing 34 pupils, classes with five children with behavioural problems and operating split classes, is losing a teaching post due to the fact that the Traveller pupils are not counted as part of the overall school numbers; and if she will ensure that this disadvantaged school is not further disadvantaged by inflexible and inappropriate ratio rules. [14192/07]

At present, Resource Teachers for Travellers are allocated on the basis of a 14:1 ratio. The school referred to by the Deputy currently has the services of two Resource Teachers for Travellers. My Department is giving consideration to the school's staffing requirements for the 2007/2008 school year and will shortly be in contact with the school authorities in this regard.

Ministerial Staff.

Phil Hogan

Question:

807 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science the names, titles, duties and dates of appointment of each of the special advisers, political advisers, personal assistants and press officers appointed by her; the salary level of each appointee including payments in lieu of pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14203/07]

The information requested by the Deputy in relation to staff in my office is as follows:

Name

Date of Appointment

Salary

Special Adviser

Averil Power — Appointed 29th September 2004

€87,202 pa, with Employer PRSA of 11%

Personal Assistant

Carl Gibney — Appointed 29th September, 2004

€51,352 pa

Press Officer

Geraldine Butler, HEO on APO Higher Duties — Appointed 8th November 2004

€66,377 pa

Each of the above staff has a standard contract of employment which is drawn up by the Department of Finance.

School Curriculum.

Denis Naughten

Question:

808 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will implement the recommendations of the task force on the physical sciences; the recommendations fully implemented to date; the additional funds provided in 2007 to implement the recommendations; when she will appoint laboratory technicians in all second level schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14229/07]

Joe Costello

Question:

894 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the contents of correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14892/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 808 and 894 together.

I am aware of the correspondence to which the Deputy refers. 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 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.

While I have made it clear that I am not yet convinced of the need for lab assistants and that I believe that their provision would lead to demands for similar assistance in other subjects with a strong practical component, the Government is committed under the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation to revisit this issue.

As the Deputy will be aware, 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.

School Accommodation.

Michael Ring

Question:

809 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will approve the proposals which a school (details supplied) in County Mayo has submitted to her. [14246/07]

An application for capital funding has been received from the school to which the Deputy refers. This application will be assessed with reference to factors such as current and projected enrolments at the school, the likely impact of ongoing and proposed housing developments and existing provision in the general area.

When this assessment is complete, a decision will be taken on how best to provide for the current and emerging accommodation needs at the school. The proposed project will be considered in the context of the multi annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Tom McEllistrim

Question:

810 Mr. McEllistrim asked the Minister for Education and Science when a site (details supplied) in County Kerry will be transferred by the VEC to a child care centre. [14247/07]

Correspondence has been received in my Department from the VEC in respect of a site for the proposed child care centre referred to by the Deputy. The matter is currently receiving attention and a decision will be conveyed to the VEC as soon as possible.

Schools Building Projects.

Joe Costello

Question:

811 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide a new school building for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 7, to replace the ten year old prefabs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14254/07]

I can confirm that the Department is in receipt of an application from the school referred to by the Deputy for a new school building. The Department acknowledges the need for a solution to the schools accommodation difficulties and officials are currently considering a number of options in this regard. I want to assure the Deputy that the Department is committed to working to achieve a satisfactory solution in this matter as soon as possible.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

812 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason, in view of the fact that money has been sanctioned for a school (details supplied) in County Donegal, there are no funds available for renovations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14255/07]

The building project for the school referred to by the deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. My Department having got agreement from the School Authorities that the proposal which provides a completely new School as a stand alone building is the preferred solution from an educational, financial and ease of construction perspective, wrote to the School Authorities on the 27th March last requesting that they get their Design Team to proceed to stage 2 (Outline sketch scheme with costings) of architectural planning.

When the stage 2 submission is received in my Department, my Officials will arrange a meeting with the School Authorities and their Design Team in order to evaluate the submission. 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 stage of architectural planning.

A decision on which school building projects will advance to tender and construction will be considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Departmental Records.

Michael Noonan

Question:

813 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will assist a person (details supplied) in County Limerick in acquiring records of their stay and the stay of their siblings at an institute in Limerick under the supervision of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14277/07]

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department maintains records on former residents of Industrial and Reformatory Schools who were placed there by way of a Court Order. Many children were placed in the schools by alternative means such as Health Board referrals and voluntary placements and, in such cases, my Department generally does not hold any records.

Officials of my Department have received and processed requests under the Freedom of Information Acts 1997 and 2003 on behalf of a number of the family members referred to by the Deputy. Department officials conducted a thorough and detailed search of archival material but were unable to locate any record of the family members' being placed or resident in the Industrial School in question. In responding to these requests, the Department advised the persons in question via their legal representatives that no records were located following a detailed search of the Department's file records and that this would suggest that they may have been placed in the school other than through the Courts.

It is the Department's policy to provide as much assistance as possible to those seeking access to records of their stay in industrial schools and, where possible, to identify alternative sources for such records. In this regard, the Department advised the persons in question to pursue the matter with the Sisters of Mercy, who managed the particular institution, and contact details for the order were provided — that is, Mercy Congregational Archives, Catherine McAuley Centre, 23 Herbert Street, Dublin 2. It was also recommended that contact be made with the regional office of the health services in the area where the family were resident at the time of their placement in the school to ascertain if that office held any relevant records in this regard.

Schools Building Projects.

Niall Blaney

Question:

814 Mr. Blaney asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will expedite an application for an extension to a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14278/07]

A re-assessment of projected enrolments, demographic trends and housing developments in the area has recently been completed in the Department. The long term projected staffing, on which the accommodation needs will be based, has been notified to the school authorities. A site visit is required in order to inform the final brief for the project and officials will be in contact with the school authority in order to arrange a site visit.

Departmental Staff.

John Cregan

Question:

815 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Education and Science when standard sick leave arrangements of 12 weeks in a rolling year including seven uncertified days for school bus escorts will be implemented by her Department, in view of the fact that this was meant to apply from 1 September, 2006 and some escorts are not receiving payment for sick leave. [14288/07]

A circular outlining the sick pay arrangements for escorts employed by school boards of management will issue to school authorities in the near future.

Schools Building Projects.

Seán Crowe

Question:

816 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to a school (details supplied) in County Carlow that was approved for grant aid in 2000 and rated a 2.3 but in view of subsequent developments and a number of factors, the board of management feels that the school should be upgraded to a 2.1 on the scale; and if the school will be visited by a representative from her Department in view of these developments. [14293/07]

John McGuinness

Question:

819 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if a grant for major capital works will be approved for a school (details supplied) in County Carlow in view of the fact that no major works were carried out to the school since 1960 and the matter is now urgent; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14309/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 816 and 819 together.

School Planning Section is in receipt of an updated application for capital works from the Board of Management of the school to which the Deputy refers. The application is being assessed in accordance with the Department's published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects taking into account the school's changed circumstances. Progress on the proposed project will be considered in the context of the multi- annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

School Accommodation.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

817 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the overcrowding at a school (details supplied) in County Galway and that her Department became aware of an application for an extension as far back as 1999; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14301/07]

An application for capital funding towards the provision of an extension has been received from the school referred to by the Deputy. The assessment of the long term projected staffing, on which the schools accommodation needs are based is underway at present in the Department. Once the long term projection has been determined and agreed with the school authorities the building project will be considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation programme.

Question No. 818 answered with QuestionNo. 802.
Question No. 819 answered with QuestionNo. 816.

Schools Building Projects.

Denis Naughten

Question:

820 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 1524 of 31 January 2007, if a decision has been made on this application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14315/07]

An application was received in the Department, under the Small Schools Scheme 2007, from the school referred to by the Deputy. On 5 March 2007, I announced details of the schools to receive funding under this Scheme. I am happy to inform you that the school referred to by the Deputy was successful and the school authorities have already informed the Department that they will accept the funding allocated to them under this scheme.

Schools of Music.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

821 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the funding from her Department for a project (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14327/07]

My Department is currently funding a pilot programme in Donegal to test the model of Music Education Partnerships proposed in the Music Network Report (2003): A National System of Local Music Education Services — Report of a Feasibility Study.

The programme provides for an instrument bank, group and individual tuition, support for ensembles and choirs and covers a range of musical genres including pop/jazz, traditional and classical. It is operated by Co. Donegal VEC and overseen by a committee which includes Údarás na Gaeltachta, the County Development Board, the Donegal Education centre and other community interests. My Department does not provide funding to the Donegal Summer School of Music.

School Management.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

822 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she or her Department has received further correspondence from the board of management of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare in relation to parents subsidising the running costs of the school; her plans to assist in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14328/07]

I can confirm that my Department has received further correspondence from the Board of Management of the school referred to by the Deputy. The position is that voluntary contributions by parents of pupils in recognised primary schools are permissible provided it is made absolutely clear to parents that there is no question of compulsion to pay and that, in making a contribution, they are doing so of their own volition. The manner in which such voluntary contributions are sought and collected is a matter for school management, however their collection should be such as not to create a situation where either parents or pupils could reasonably infer that the contributions take on a compulsory character.

Primary schools' running costs are met by my Department's scheme of capitation grants. These grants are intended to contribute towards the general operating costs of schools which would include heating, lighting, cleaning, insurance, painting, teaching aids and other miscellaneous charges.

The primary school capitation grant has been increased substantially in recent years. Since 1997 the standard rate of capitation grant has been increased from €57.14 per pupil to €163.58 with effect from 1st January, 2007. This represents an increase of over 186% in the standard rate of capitation grant since 1997.

Furthermore enhanced rates of capitation funding are paid in respect of children with special educational needs who attend special schools or special classes attached to mainstream schools. The current rates range from €400 to €805 per pupil. These were increased by an average of 30% recently.

The capitation grant is in addition to the Ancillary Services Grant which provides additional funding for primary schools towards the cost of secretarial and caretaking services. The standard rate of grant per pupil under the scheme was increased from €102 per pupil in 2002 to the current rate of €145.50 per pupil. I believe that major increases must continue to be provided in the rate of both the capitation and ancillary services grants in the coming years.

Special Educational Needs.

Finian McGrath

Question:

823 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason children with a disability are being forced to travel long distances for education services. [14347/07]

My Department's policy is to ensure the maximum possible integration of children with special educational needs (SEN) into ordinary mainstream schools within the child's community where this is in the best interests of the child and those with whom s/he is to be educated. One of the benefits of this policy is that children do not have to travel long distances to school. However, there may be circumstances when full integration is not in the best interests of some children.

In such situations, these children can attend special classes attached to certain ordinary mainstream schools. All special classes have the same increased levels of staffing and funding as are made available to special schools. Children with SEN attending special classes attached to mainstream schools may also, where appropriate, be integrated into ordinary classes for periods of the school day.

Children can also attend in special schools that are dedicated to providing education for children with special educational needs. There are 107 special schools in the country at present. These schools cater for children from four to 18 years of age and each school has a significantly reduced pupil teacher ratio, special needs assistant support and increased levels of capitation.

I am anxious that children with special educational needs should be educated within, or close to, their own communities in so far as practical. Where parents of children with special educational needs are concerned about the length of their child's journey to school, they should contact their local special educational needs organiser (SENO). It may be possible for the National Council for Special Education to establish suitable, more locally-based, provision if there is sufficient demand. Contact details may be sourced through the NCSE website www.ncse.ie or through the NCSE headquarters in Trim, telephone 046 9486400.

Educational Disadvantage.

Niall Blaney

Question:

824 Mr. Blaney asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will look favourably on an application for outdoor play facilities and library facilities under the dormant accounts fund and RAPID leverage fund small scale capital grant scheme by a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14351/07]

The closing date for receipt of applications under the Dormant Accounts/RAPID Leverage Fund Small Scale Capital Grants Scheme was 1st March. The Midland Regional Office of my Department received a large number of applications for the scheme including an application from the school referred to by the Deputy.

As outlined in Departmental Circular 4 of 2007 the Scheme is open to primary and post primary schools who are covered by one of three categories: (i) participating in the School Support Programme under DEIS; (ii) are located within a RAPID Area or serving a RAPID Area; and (iii) is a Special School. On examination of the application from the school in question it was noted that the school is not eligible to apply for this Scheme as it does not fall within any of the categories listed above. My officials wrote to the Principal of the school to advise her of the position on 22 March.

Schools Building Projects.

Billy Timmins

Question:

825 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to an application from a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow for a new school; if sanction will be given to stage three as a matter of urgency and movement to stage four allowing the minor adjustments to be incorporated into stage four; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14358/07]

This project referred to by the Deputy was listed on the 2005 School Building Programme to go to tender and construction for a new 10 classroom school building, when the architectural planning was completed. As this is a special school the brief for the project has evolved over time with input from the school, my Department's Technical staff and Inspectorate. My Department is anxious that the facilities to be provided will be of a very high standard and suitable for use by pupils with special needs.

In June 2006 a meeting was held between the Board of Management, the project's Design Team and officials from my Department. The purpose of the meeting was to agree the brief for the project. It was also decided at that meeting that once the Board and the Design Team have indicated that the stage 3 documentation was ready for examination a round table meeting will be held, the main aim of which will be to try and approve the submission. In December 2006 the Design Team forwarded some revised drawings to my Department for review. A reply issued to the Design team on the 18th December 2006 instructing them to proceed on the basis of their submission and incorporating the comments of my Department's Technical Staff. My Department is currently awaiting a revised stage 3 submission. Officials from my Department have arranged a meeting to be held shortly with the school and it's Design Team with a view to progressing the matter.

My Department's main role is concentrated on ensuring that the design solution presented at stage 3 meets the requirements of the brief and complies with my Departments technical documents. Once the formal stage 3 submission is received, it will be appraised to ensure it meets these criteria and thereafter devolved approval will be given to the school authorities to deliver the project to planning permission, tender and construction.

School Transport.

John McGuinness

Question:

826 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if the school bus service to Knockmajor, County Kilkenny, will be extended by 0.8 of a mile in order to collect a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if the special family circumstances will be considered; and if she will expedite a decision. [14361/07]

One of the main objectives of the School Transport Scheme is to provide a basic level of service for children who live long distances from school and who might otherwise experience difficulty in attending regularly. In general, primary school transport routes are planned so that, as far as possible, no eligible child will have more than 2.4 kilometres to travel to a pick-up point. The pupil referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied resides 1.12 kilometres from the pick-up point. The parents should liaise with their local Bus Éireann office regarding the availability of a payable extension to this service.

School Management.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

827 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on providing an extra grant to the board of management at a school (details supplied) in County Galway; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that whilst her Department’s grant of €241,500 in November 2005 was of benefit, the shortfall has proved to be a financial burden to the local community, that the community has raised €44,000 in sponsorship and another €15,000 by way of levy on parents and that there is an outstanding €45,000 which has to be borrowed; if, in view of the efforts by the local community to collect a higher local contribution, she will give consideration to an extra payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14377/07]

An official from the Building Section of my Department has recently been in contact with the management of the school in question. The School Authority will submit an appeal for additional funding for consideration by the Review Group which comprises senior officials from my Department. When this is received and examined the school will be notified of the decision.

Higher Education Grants.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

828 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the special rate of maintenance grant available to applicants for vocational education committees’ scholarship scheme grants; the qualifying criteria therefore; the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9 was not awarded a full rate of VEC grant; the reason their grant is reduced; and if she will provide a detailed copy of the assessment of this case. [14383/07]

To qualify for the special rate of maintenance 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.

My Department contacted the Vocation Education Committee (VEC) responsible for the award of a grant for the student referred to by the Deputy and was advised the student was awarded a full rate VEC grant. My Department was also advised that the income exceeded the limit specified for the Special Rate of Maintenance Grant and, therefore, did not qualify for a Special Rate payment.

In accordance with the Data Protection Acts it is not possible for my Department to provide to the Deputy any documentation in respect of the candidates application or assessment. This information, however, would be made available to the candidate by the VEC, on the student's written request.

Schools Building Projects.

Pat Carey

Question:

829 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science the contacts made by the design team appointed by her Department at schools (details supplied) in Dublin 9 to agree the programme of works required to be carried out; when work will begin; if a completion date has been agreed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14385/07]

A technical inspection of the buildings concerned was recently carried out to determine the scope of works required to facilitate the amalgamation of the schools to which the Deputy refers and to accommodate another school in one of the buildings which will be vacated post amalgamation. The Department is anxious to resolve the accommodation issues at the schools in question as soon as possible.

Higher Education Grants.

John McGuinness

Question:

830 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 395 of 22 November 2006, if the additional information submitted by the person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will result in their qualification for a grant from the vocational education committee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14388/07]

Official of my Department contacted County Kilkenny VEC, the assessing authority in this case, concerning the candidate referred to by the Deputy. My Department was advised that additional information was received in respect of the grant application concerning a change in circumstances. The grant application was reviewed and the candidate is in receipt of part maintenance with effect December 2006 to date.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Jack Wall

Question:

831 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has input into payments of the national learning network scheme; if so, her plans in regard to increasing the weekly payments from the present level of €31.80 per five day week from 9 am to 3 p.m. for participants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14399/07]

The National Learning Network is Ireland's largest non-Government training organisation, with more than 50 purpose-built training and employment units nationwide, catering for over 4,500 students each year. Its objective is to assist people at a disadvantage in the labour market to learn the skills they need to build lasting careers in jobs that reflect their interests and abilities.

A partnership arrangement between the National Learning Network and the City of Dublin Vocational Educational Committee offers a wide range of supports to students with disabilities in eight VEC Colleges of Further Education in Dublin. A Training Bonus of €31.80 per week is payable to the following categories of people who were on, or commenced, a FÁS training course on or after 19 April 1999:

Persons in receipt of Jobseeker Benefit or Jobseeker Allowance for 12 months or more; or Persons who progress to FÁS training having completed a minimum of 12 months on a Community Employment programme; or Persons who progress to FÁS training having completed a minimum of 12 months on the Job Initiative programme; or Disabled persons not in receipt of Illness Benefit or Invalidity Pension. I do not have input into payments under the National Learning Network Scheme. I understand that this is a matter for FÁS.

Departmental Properties.

Michael Ring

Question:

832 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science when her Department ceased the use of a premises (details supplied) in County Mayo; and the person who took over the responsibility of this premises. [14404/07]

The school referred to by the Deputy is not in the ownership of the Department and there are no records within the School Planning section of the Department regarding the closure of the school.

School Staffing.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

833 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the way in which the early retirements advisory committee operates; the procedures they adopt; and if she will provide the names of the committee. [14407/07]

Under the Programme for Competitiveness and Work 1996 a voluntary early retirement scheme, consisting of three strands, was introduced on a pilot basis for teachers in order to promote greater efficiency and effectiveness in the school system. Strand 1 of the Scheme relates to teachers who are consistently experiencing professional difficulties in their teaching duties. Strand 2 relates to teachers whose retirement will provide their school with an opportunity to enhance the education service provided through facilitating change. Strand 3 relates to teachers who are in posts which are surplus to requirements.

The Early Retirement Advisory Committee (ERAC) was set up to consider applications submitted by teachers for retirement under Strands 1 and 2 of the Scheme. The Committee, having processed the applications, makes its recommendations to the Minister for decision. (Applications for retirement under Strand 3 of the scheme are considered by the Department and submitted to the Minister for decision). ERAC consists of one nominee of the teachers unions, one nominee of the school management bodies and one nominee of the Ministers for Education and Science and Finance. The committee has an independent chairperson appointed by the Ministers.

ERAC processes applications in accordance with guidelines and principles adopted by the Early Retirement Consultative Council (ERCC). ERCC is representative of each of the teacher unions and school management bodies as well as the Departments of Education and Science and Finance. The chairperson of ERAC is also chairperson of the Early Retirement Consultative Council. ERAC convenes on one or more occasions, as needs dictate, each year.

In the case of Strand 1 ERAC evaluates each application on the basis of written statements of professional difficulties provided by both the teacher and the school management authority. The professional difficulties being experienced by each applicant are assessed under the headings of Expertise, Commitment and Ongoing Professional Development. In the case of each applicant under Strand 2, the written statements of the teacher and the school management authority must satisfy ERAC that retirement under this strand will provide an opportunity to enhance the education service provided by the school by facilitating change such as the introduction of new skills and curriculum review.

The current membership of ERAC is, chairperson, Mr. Declan Brennan; teachers' unions' nominee, Mr. John White; management bodies' nominee, Sr. Eileen Randles and Departments' nominee, Ms. Josephine O'Connor. The nominee of the teachers' unions' is rotated on an annual basis among the three teacher unions. The nominee of the Ministers, from among the administrative staff of the Department, is rotated, on a similar basis between Post Primary Administration and Primary Administration. A review of the pilot early retirement scheme has begun with a view to a report being finalized by Autumn this year.

Site Acquisitions.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

834 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if there has been progress in acquiring a site for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14412/07]

The School Planning Section of the Department is actively considering the provision of permanent accommodation for the school to which the Deputy refers. It is considering a number of options in this regard and it will be in contact with the school authority directly to progress the matter as soon as possible.

Special Educational Needs.

Denis Naughten

Question:

835 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to open up the role of the special needs assistant in the classroom; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14419/07]

Denis Naughten

Question:

839 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will review the criteria for the appointment of special needs assistants in primary schools; if she will extend the criteria to include the educational needs of children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14435/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 835 and 839 together.

The allocation of Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) to support children with special educational needs has significantly improved the ability of such children to access education. Very significant resources have been invested in this area and there are now over 8,600 whole-time equivalent SNAs in primary and second level schools supporting children with special needs compared to 300 in 1998.

SNAs and teachers have separate yet complementary roles. SNAs provide care support to pupils with special educational needs who have been assessed as having such needs while teachers deliver education to the pupils. I have no plans, at present, to formally extend the SNA role to be that of a para-educator.

In allocating SNA supports, special educational needs organisers who are officials of the National Council for Special Education, operate within the parameters of my Department's criteria for the allocation of such resources. These criteria are set out in my Department's circulars having regard to the recommendations of the Report of the Special Education Review Committee, 1993, also known as the SERC Report.

I can confirm that I will continue to prioritise the issue of special needs education and, in co-operation with the National Council for Special Education and the education partners, ensure that all children with special educational needs are adequately resourced to enable them to meet their full potential.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

836 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the ratio for special needs assistants to pupils in special needs schools for Dublin; her plans to increase this ratio; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14430/07]

The ratio of SNAs to pupils in special schools, including those in Dublin, is determined by the special educational needs of the pupils. Special schools catering for children with a severe or profound general learning disability or autism would typically have 2 SNAs per class of 6 pupils. Special schools catering for children with a physical disability would typically have 1 SNA for each class of 10 pupils and so on.

Where the care needs of a particular child are very significant, it is open to a school to apply to their local special educational needs organisers (SENOs) for additional support. In such circumstances, the SENO will consider the supports that are available in the school and the needs of the specific child within those needs. Enormous progress has also been made in relation to increasing the number of SNAs in our schools nationwide. There are now over 8,600 whole-time equivalent SNAs in primary and second level schools nationally supporting children with special needs compared to 300 in 1998.

I can confirm that I will continue to prioritise the issue of special needs education and, in co-operation with the National Council for Special Education, ensure that all children with special educational needs are adequately resourced to enable them to meet their full potential.

Billy Timmins

Question:

837 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow which has submitted an application to her Department and the Health Service Executive for full State recognition and appropriate funding for a centre of education for children in County Wicklow with autistic spectrum disorders; if she will ensure that children with autism in County Wicklow are treated equally to others and are given the same opportunities as the hundreds of children with autism attending the 12 ABA schools around the country; if its application will be sanctioned as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14431/07]

The Deputy will be aware of my commitment to ensuring that all children, including those with autism, receive an education appropriate to their needs. My Department's 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 supports a multi-skills approach in regard to the education of children with autism where a range of teaching methods are available e.g. Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH), ABA (Applied Behavioural Analysis), Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS).

In this regard my Department has established:

188 special classes for children with autism, attached to special and mainstream schools;

5 special classes for children with Asperger's Syndrome;

18 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 methodologies on a pilot basis — 2 of these facilities have yet to be established.

An application for inclusion in the pilot scheme from the group referred to by the Deputy is currently under consideration.

Michael Ring

Question:

838 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the outcome in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [14432/07]

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that home tuition has been sanctioned for the pupil in question.

Question No. 839 answered with QuestionNo. 835.

Schools Building Projects.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

840 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science the major works that have been approved for a school (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14444/07]

I can confirm to the Deputy that the Department has reached agreement with the school to which he refers in relation to its long term accommodation needs. In this regard, it has been agreed that the school will be extended to provide 12 mainstream classrooms and a range of ancillary accommodation. The next step in the process is an architectural assessment of the school building by the Department's professional and technical staff. This will be arranged as soon as possible.

Special Educational Needs.

Michael Ring

Question:

841 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will allocate additional special needs assistant posts in primary level and secondary level in 2007; the number of people employed as SNAs at the present time; her plans to increase this number of posts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14446/07]

Special needs assistants (SNAs) are sanctioned by special education needs organisers (SENOs) to schools specifically to assist in the care of pupils and students with disabilities in an educational context. SNAs may be appointed to a special school or a mainstream school to assist school authorities in making suitable provision for children who have been assessed as having such needs. Applications for SNA support are made by schools to the local SENO and the SENO conveys a decision on the application directly to the schools without recourse to my Department.

Significant progress has been made in relation to increasing the number of SNAs in our schools who specifically cater for children with care needs. There are now over 8,600 whole time equivalent SNAs in primary and second level schools supporting children with care needs, compared with approximately 300 in 1998.

I can confirm that I will continue to prioritise the issue of special needs education and, in co-operation with the National Council for Special Education and the education partners, ensure that all children with special educational needs are adequately resourced to enable them to meet their full potential.

Higher Education Grants.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

842 Mr. Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will be viewed as an independent mature student and approved for grant aid towards a degree course at Dublin Institute of Technology, Bolton Street; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14458/07]

Under the terms and conditions of the Vocational Education Committee Scholarship Scheme, which is administered by the VEC on behalf of the Department, generally speaking, students who are entering approved courses for the first time are eligible for grants (maintenance and tuition fees) where they satisfy the relevant conditions as to age, residence, means, nationality and previous academic attainment. An approved course for the purpose of the VEC Scheme 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 third level institution.

A mature candidate is categorised as either an independent mature student or mature student dependent on parents. An independent mature student is defined to mean a mature student who is over 23 on or before the 1st January of the year of entry or re-entry to an approved course and was not ordinarily resident at home with his/her parents from the October preceding their entry to an approved course. Independent mature students are assessed without reference to either their parents' income or address.

When assessing the means of students other than independent mature students, the students' means and those of their parents or guardians must be below a prescribed limit. This provision requires that parental income be taken into account irrespective of the individual circumstances in any case where the student is not a mature student. Officials in my Department contacted the awarding authorities in Kildare and were advised that the student in question was not eligible to be assessed as an independent mature student. In addition, the student also failed to satisfy other requirements of the scholarship scheme.

John Perry

Question:

843 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science the avenues open to a person (details supplied) in County Sligo to avail of financial aid while studying in Queensland in view of their circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14466/07]

My Department funds four maintenance grant schemes for third level and further education students which are administered by the Local Authorities and the Vocational Education Committees. 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.

The decision on eligibility for third level or further education grants is a matter for the relevant local authority or VEC. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department except, in exceptional cases, where, for example, advice or instruction regarding a particular clause in the relevant scheme is desired.

The Third Level Student Support Schemes were extended to provide maintenance grants to eligible students pursuing approved full-time undergraduate courses of at least two years duration (pursued in a university or a third level institution which is maintained or assisted by recurrent grants from public funds) in other EU Member States with effect from the 1996/97 academic year.

The extension of the Schemes at that time did not include courses at postgraduate level or to courses outside the EU and, accordingly, there is no grant aid available under the schemes for students pursuing studies outside of the EU. Any extension to the scope of the maintenance grants schemes, can be considered only in the light of available resources and in the context of competing demands within the education sector.

I would like to make the Deputy aware of the Endeavour Programme, an internationally competitive, merit-based scholarship programme that forms part of the Australian Government's $1.4 billion Australian Scholarships Initiative. Further details of the initiative are available from the Australian Department of Education, Science and Training website: www.dest.gov.au/ International/Awards/endeavour/htm

State Examinations.

John Perry

Question:

844 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the circumstances outlined in correspondence (details supplied); if she will intervene and have a favourable decision made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14467/07]

Coláiste Mhuire, Marino were contracted by my Department to provide the Scrúdú le hAghaidh Cáilíochta sa Ghaeilge (SCG) examination in 2006, 2007 and 2008 on the basis of holding a main examination each year followed by a repeat examination. Changes to the prose and poetry syllabus of the SCG came into effect for the 2006/07 academic year and these changes were examinable for the first time at the Easter, 2007 SCG examination. These changes were implemented on foot of a recommendation by the SCG Review Body, which was set up by the then Minister for Education, and which reported in February, 2004.

Advance notification of the changes was communicated to prospective SCG candidates. Documentation, which included a cover letter, a brochure and an advertisement, was issued to every primary school in the country during the first week of September, 2006. The brochure alerted readers to the new literature programme in prose and poetry.

In order to assist prospective candidates, a new prose and poetry programme entitled Leoithne Ghaoithe was published by my Department's Inspectorate in 2006. In addition, a new SCG course content book entitled Cóir Ghaoithe, which contains comprehensive notes and information on each of the 10 specific poems and each of the 6 prose passages on the new prose and poetry syllabus, was published by Marino Institute of Education in September, 2006.

SCG courses began at Education Centres throughout the country in late September/early October, 2006. Courses are given by tutors who had attended training at Coláiste Mhuire, Marino during September, 2006. The tutors received specific training, guidance and instruction in regard to the new prose and poetry syllabus and courses at Education Centres nationwide reflected these changes.

I do not propose to make any intervention in this case. To do so would compromise the integrity of an examination system which operates with a considerable degree of autonomy. In my view, the replacement of elements of the poetry and prose syllabus should not jeopardise any candidate's chances of passing the examination, if they were already studying the prose and poetry on the previous syllabus. Any course in literature will require study of literary devices, knowledge and concepts that apply to prose and poetry generally, regardless of the individual poems or passages of prose on the syllabus. There would be considerable transfer of knowledge, therefore, to the study of the revised syllabus.

The process in place for SCG examinations is open and transparent. Candidates may review their scripts and the mark they received and discuss them with the course tutors. Candidates may appeal the marks they received for any aspect of the examination.

Special Educational Needs.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

845 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the details including locations and number of the applications currently under consideration by her Department for inclusion in the ABA pilot scheme. [14472/07]

Róisín Shortall

Question:

846 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the study, report or research which informs her Department’s view on the demand for education services for children with autism; and if she will provide a breakdown of that demand for special classes for children with autism attached to special and mainstream schools, for special classes for children with Asperger’s syndrome, for pre-school classes to facilitate the demand for early intervention provision for children on the autistic spectrum and for stand alone facilities providing an applied behavioural analysis specific methodology. [14473/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 845 and 846 together.

The Department's approach and policy is based on advice received from international experts on autism; NEPS; the Inspectorate; an analysis of research including that supplied by the IAA; and the report of the Irish Task Force on Autism. Advice was sought from international experts on research provided by the Irish Autism Action group and other research on educational interventions for children with autistic spectrum disorders and it is clear that this research does not support the exclusive usage of ABA or indeed the exclusive use of any other approach, as a basis for national educational provision for ASD children. It is for this reason that the Department's preferred policy is for a child centred approach where the approach to be taken is based on the individual child's needs. It is also important to bear in mind that school-based provision is being put in place throughout the country that will be in a position to provide for future cohorts of children and respond to their individual needs. My Department remains willing to review and consider any further research as and when it becomes available.

The Deputy will be aware of my commitment to ensuring that all children, including those with autism, receive an education appropriate to their needs.

My Department's 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 supports a multi-skills approach in regard to the education of children with autism where a range of teaching methods are available e.g. Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH), ABA (Applied Behavioural Analysis), Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has a key role in the delivery of services and operates through a network of special educational needs organisers (SENOs) who act as a focal point of contact for schools and parents. The role of the SENO includes the processing of applications from schools to establish special classes for autism. The NCSE will continue to establish classes for children with autism as and where required. My Department does not keep records in relation to the number of applications being processed by the NCSE.

In this regard the following specialist education classes for children on the autistic spectrum have been established across the country:

188 special classes for children with autism, attached to special and mainstream schools;

5 special classes for children with Asperger's Syndrome;

18 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 methodologies on a pilot basis — 2 of these facilities have yet to be established.

My Department has received 11 applications from groups wishing to provide ABA-only intervention for children with autism as follows: 2 in Dublin, 1 in Limerick, 1 in Clare, 1 in Cork, 1 in Louth, 1 in Meath, 1 in Kerry, 1 in Mayo, 1 in Roscommon, 1 in Wicklow.

Martin Ferris

Question:

847 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) will be provided with adequate educational facilities once they complete their current term at a school. [14488/07]

I can confirm that my Department has received correspondence from the school in question on behalf of this student and a response will issue to the school as quickly as possible.

Higher Education Grants.

Finian McGrath

Question:

848 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if assistance and advice will be given to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3 to attend a third level college. [14494/07]

My Department funds four maintenance grant schemes for third level and further education students which are administered by the Local Authorities and the Vocational Education Committees. Under the Free Fees Initiative, my Department meets the tuition fees of eligible students attending full-time undergraduate courses, which must generally be of at least two years duration.

Generally speaking, students who are entering approved courses at undergraduate or postgraduate level for the first time are eligible for maintenance grants where they satisfy the relevant conditions as to age, residence, means and nationality. The decision on eligibility for third level grants is a matter for the relevant local authority or VEC. Details of the 2006 maintenance grant schemes are currently available on the Department's webs at www.education.ie. The 2007 schemes, for the 2007/08 academic year, will be placed on the website in the near future.

Schools Building Projects.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

849 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress being made in relation to funding towards the reconstruction and improvements of a school (details supplied) in County Cavan; if the funding will be available for such repairs in 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14529/07]

The building project for the school referred to by the deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. The School Planning Section of my Department is currently re-examining the Long Term Projected Enrolments on which the accommodation needs will be based. When the long-term projected enrolment has been finalised and agreed with the school authorities, my Department will draw up schedules of accommodation for the extension. The project will then be progressed in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

850 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will confirm the band rating assigned to a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14530/07]

I can confirm to the Deputy that the school to which he refers has applied to the Department for capital funding for a Resource Room and a General Purpose Room. The project has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and has been assigned a Band 3 rating. Progress on the project is being considered in the context of the multiannual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Educational Disadvantage.

Seán Crowe

Question:

851 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science if and when the statutory committee on educational disadvantage will be re-established. [14570/07]

The role of the Educational Disadvantage Committee is to advise on policies and strategies to be adopted to identify and correct educational disadvantage. My Department wrote to the education and social partners seeking their views on the composition and future work of the committee. Following on full consideration of these views, the members of the new committee will be appointed as provided for under section 32 of the Education Act, 1998. Under section 32 (3) of the Act, up to half of the membership of the committee shall be appointed from nominees of such voluntary and other bodies which have objects that are considered relevant to the work of the committee.

Higher Education Grants.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

852 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on whether it is unfair to exclude mature students from the maintenance grant scheme for those attending post-leaving certificate courses in a situation where such students have attended such courses years ago and wish to retrain and improve their skills; and if she will examine in particular in this regard the case of a person (details supplied) in Cork South West. [14590/07]

The Maintenance Grant Scheme for Students attending Post Leaving Certificate courses is administered by the Vocational Education Committees on behalf of my Department. The application for grant assistance for the candidate referred to by the Deputy must be assessed under the terms of my Department's Maintenance Grant Scheme for Students Attending Post Leaving Certificate Courses 2006. Clause 3.2 of the PLC Scheme sets out the condition under which a candidate is deemed to be ineligible to apply for funding, it states that:- "Candidates are ineligible if they already hold a FETAC Level 5 qualification (formerly known as a FETAC (NCVA) Level 2 qualification), a FETAC Level 6 qualification (formerly known as a FETAC (NCVA) Level 3 qualification) or a third level qualification at Level 6 or higher. However, notwithstanding this condition candidates who already hold a qualification no higher than FETAC Level 5 (formerly known as a FETAC (NCVA) Level 2) and are now pursuing a course that offers progression may be deemed eligible for grant aid."

Under this provision, students holding a qualification no higher than a FETAC Level 5 (formally known as a FETAC (NCVA) Level 2 qualification) may receive grant assistance in respect of an approved PLC course which offers progression.

I understand from officials in my Department that the candidate referred to by the Deputy has previously pursued a PLC course at FETAC level 5 in Scoil Eoin Naofa and is currently pursuing a second course at the same level at Coláiste Stiofáin Naofa. I regret that under the above provisions of the PLC Scheme the candidate in question is ineligible to receive any funding for the current course.

Site Acquisitions.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

853 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of a new school at Listellick, Tralee, County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14596/07]

An application for capital funding towards the provision of a new school on a greenfield site has been received from the school authority of Listellick National School. The application has been assessed and the long-term projected staffing figure on which accommodation needs will be based has been determined and notified to the school.

The Office of Public Works, which acts on behalf of the Department in relation to site acquisitions generally, has been requested to investigate the acquisition of a suitable site. Once the acquisition is finalised the building project required to deliver the school's accommodation needs will be considered for progression in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Higher Education Grants.

John McGuinness

Question:

854 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science the grants available to complete a legal practice course in the UK; and if financial assistance is available towards the course cost of €20,000 or towards accommodation. [14609/07]

The Third Level Student Support Schemes were extended to provide maintenance grants to eligible students pursuing approved full-time undergraduate courses of at least two years duration (pursued in a university or a third level institution which is maintained or assisted by recurrent grants from public funds) in other EU Member States with effect from the 1996/97 academic year. The extension of the Schemes at that time did not include courses at postgraduate level and, accordingly, there is no grant aid available under the schemes for students pursuing postgraduate studies outside of Ireland.

Any extension of the current arrangements to provide for students pursuing postgraduate courses outside of Ireland could only be considered in the light of available resources and other competing demands within the education sector. At present, there are no plans, to expand the provisions in the grant schemes in relation to postgraduate study abroad.

However, Section 473A, Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997, provides tax relief, at the standard rate of tax, for tuition fees paid in respect of approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including certain approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in E.U. Member States and in non EU countries.

The application form (I.T. 31 Form) to claim tax relief on tuition fees is available from the Revenue Commissioners. Further information is available from your Local Tax Office or alternatively from Revenue's Internet site at www.revenue.ie.

Special Educational Needs.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

855 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when provision can or will be made for special educational needs offices for children attending a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14610/07]

The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) was established under the Education for Persons with Special Needs Act (EPSEN) to improve the delivery of education services to persons with special educational needs arising from disabilities with particular emphasis on children. Since it was established in 2005 NCSE is responsible for allocating resources for children with special educational needs. The Council has a key role in the delivery of services and operates through a network of special educational needs organisers (SENOs) who act as a focal point of contact for schools and parents.

A pilot scheme funded directly through my Department has facilitated the establishment a number of stand-alone autism units using the Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) methodology. The unit referred to by the Deputy is participating in this scheme. SENOs do however provide a service to parents of children attending such units as they can provide information to parents on a range of issues including appropriate educational placements available on completion of a period in the ABA units.

Schools Building Projects.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

856 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if funding can or will be made available to a school (details supplied) for the provision of school hall, assembly and physical education facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14611/07]

My Department has not received an application for capital funding from the school to which the Deputy refers. I understand, however, that the school authority is in the process of preparing such an application. When received, the application will be assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and progress on the project will be considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation programme.

Commercial Marketing in Schools.

Joe Higgins

Question:

857 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will ban the presence of vending machines selling unhealthy sugary snacks and drinks from all schools, including those where facilities are managed under public private partnership arrangements. [14612/07]

Schools are privately managed institutions which, although funded by the State, enjoy a large degree of autonomy. It is, therefore, primarily a matter for each school to devise guidelines around the types of food that is available on the school premises and such policies should be driven by the needs and welfare of the pupils. I know that many schools have developed healthy eating policies in co-operation with their parents' associations and I would encourage others to do so.

In the case of the existing five PPP schools while the Operator is responsible for the vending machines the location, content and availability of the machines were agreed between the Operator and the School Authorities concerned. For instance, timers are fitted to all of the vending machines to ensure that students only have access to the machines at the times agreed by the school management. Under my Department's current PPP programme announced in 2005 the school management authorities will have final say in the location, content and availability of any vending machines being provided.

Site Acquisitions.

Denis Naughten

Question:

858 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 896 of 20 March 2007, the status of the application for funding; when a decision will be made on the provision of a new greenfield site or a site extension for the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14613/07]

An application for capital funding has been received from the school to which the Deputy refers. This application is currently being assessed with reference to current and projected enrolments, on-going and planned housing developments and other demographic factors. As part of the assessment process Department officials recently met with the school authorities. The final determination of the long term accommodation needs of the school will help inform a decision as to whether a new greenfield site or a site extension is required for the proposed project.

Special Educational Needs.

John Perry

Question:

859 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will intervene in order to have correspondence (details supplied) to the National Council for Special Education answered in order that a reply may be issued to a person. [14614/07]

I understand that National Council for Special Education will make direct contact with the Deputy shortly.

Higher Education Grants.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

860 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that County Wexford VEC has refused a higher education grant to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford on the basis that they are unable to provide a utility bill to vouch that they reside independently of their parents; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that it is commonplace for a rented house shared by several people to have utility bills in the name of one tenant only; if in such circumstances written confirmation from a landlord will suffice as evidence of tenancy for grant purposes; the way she will ensure that her Department’s rules do not disadvantage legitimate applicants who cannot comply with the utility bill requirement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14665/07]

The Higher Education Grants Scheme operates under the Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Acts, 1968 to 1992. These Acts define a mature student to mean a person "of not less than 23 years of age, or such other age as may stand specified for the time being in regulations made by the Minister with the consent of the Minister for Finance, who have secured places in approved institutions and have reached that age on the 1st day of January, or such other date as may be prescribed from time to time by the Minister with the consent of the Minister for Finance, in the year of entry to such institutions".

Mature students are categorised as either independent mature students or mature students dependent on parents. An independent mature student is defined to mean a mature student who was not ordinarily resident at home with his/her parents from the October preceding their entry to an approved course. Independent mature students are assessed without reference to either their parents' income or address.

In order to establish that a candidate is an independent mature student documentary evidence is required as proof of a candidate's ordinary/ permanent address from the 1st October of the year preceding entry to college. Examples of the type of documentary evidence, which would establish residence, are as follows:

(i) Utility bills such as telephone, gas, E.S.B.

(ii) Evidence of registration with the Private Residential Tenancies Board (P.R.T.B.)

(iii) Official Documentation from any Government Department e.g. Social Welfare or Revenue (if any).

The awarding authorities are obliged to satisfy themselves beyond doubt that an acceptable degree of proof is submitted by the grant applicant in establishing eligibility under all aspects of the Schemes. To-date the evidence submitted, by the student referred to by the Deputy, to confirm independent status did not satisfy the requirements of the awarding authority.

Disadvantaged Status.

Marian Harkin

Question:

861 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Education and Science if a review of an application for inclusion in the new school support programme under DEIS can be carried out for a school (details supplied) in County Leitrim. [14666/07]

DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), the action plan for educational inclusion, provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and a new integrated School Support Programme (SSP). The School Support Programme will bring together, and build upon, a number of existing interventions in schools with a concentrated level of disadvantage.

The process of identifying primary and second-level schools for participation in the SSP was managed by the Educational Research Centre (ERC) on behalf of my Department and supported by quality assurance work co-ordinated through the Department's regional offices and the Inspectorate. As a result of the identification process, 840 schools were invited to participate in the SSP. These comprised 640 primary schools (320 urban/town schools and 320 rural schools) and 200 second-level schools.

A review mechanism was put in place to address the concerns of schools that did not qualify for inclusion in the School Support Programme but regarded themselves as having a level of disadvantage which is of a scale sufficient to warrant their inclusion in the programme. The review process operated under the direction of an independent person, charged with ensuring that all relevant identification processes and procedures were properly followed in the case of schools applying for a review.

An application for review was received from the school referred to by the Deputy and was thoroughly examined by the Review Group. In accordance with the recommendations of the Review Group, the school has not been identified for inclusion in the School Support Programme and the Principal was informed by letter on 4th August 2006. Unsuccessful schools were advised at an early stage that they would be allowed to keep the supports that they have under pre-existing schemes for the current school year. I have also given a commitment that my Department will, for the duration of the DEIS action plan, continue to support these schools in their efforts to deal with educational disadvantage among their students.

The school to which the Deputy refers will continue to receive grant assistance for the duration of the DEIS action plan to assist it with its level of dispersed disadvantage. I am satisfied that not only has this Government provided for a major increase in supports to our most disadvantaged schools through DEIS, but we have addressed the concerns of schools that did not qualify for the new initiative.

Third Level Fees.

Seán Crowe

Question:

862 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount it would cost to abolish part-time fees for those workers earning less than the average industrial wage. [14667/07]

The cost would depend on the number of part-time students who earn less than the average industrial wage. My Department does not collect income data from part-time students at present.

Adult Education.

Seán Crowe

Question:

863 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Science the most recent figure as a percentage of adult population in this State who are participating in lifelong learning; and the way she will increase this figure. [14668/07]

I am not in a position to indicate the exact percentage of the adult population who are participating in lifelong learning. My Department has put the resources and supports in place to ensure that there is a wide range of course options available in the Further and Higher Education sectors for people who wish to continue their studies after second-level and for people returning to education later in life.

The priority target group of Further Education programmes generally is those who are educationally disadvantaged and who lack basic skills. The level of participation in Further Education Programmes in 2005 was as follows:

Number

Full-time programmes

Post Leaving Certificate courses

30,188

Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS)

5,384

Youthreach and Senior Traveller Training

3,837

Part time programmes

Back to Education Initiative

7,000 places (20,000 + participants)

Community Education

30,000

Adult Literacy:

35,738

Self-funded part-time adult education in schools

150,000

The aim of Adult and Further Education in the coming years will be in:

Prioritising adult literacy in the area of adult education, including workplace literacy. The proportion of the population aged 16-64 with restricted literacy will be reduced to between 10%-15% by 2016, from the level of 25% found in 1997. Vocational Education Committees will provide an additional 7,000 places in literacy by 2009, from the current level of 35,000 participants annually. There will be a particular focus on increasing the number of migrants receiving an English language service;

The provision of an additional 1,000 Youthreach places by 2009. €574 m. is being made available for Youthreach over the period 2007-2013;

The provision of guidance/counselling to literacy and language learners;

The Back To Education Initiative (BTEI), which will be expanded by 2,000 places to 10,000 by 2009;

Maximising the opportunities for older people to participate in education, employment and other aspects of economic and social life;

The Post-Leaving Certificate sector, where a total of €1 billion will be invested over the period 2007-2013 to provide participants with specific vocational skills to enhance their prospects of securing employment and support progression to other studies;

The social partnership agreement "Towards 2016" contains a commitment to increasing participation in Lifelong Learning in particular among the workforce categorised as low-skilled/low paid by enhancing opportunities to access education and training, the development of new skills, the acquisition of recognised qualifications and progression to higher level qualifications to equip all individuals with the skills, capacity and potential to participate fully in the knowledge-based society and progress to better quality jobs. Adult and Further Education policy will continue to work towards achieving these aims.

Youth Services.

Michael Ring

Question:

864 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide funding for the ongoing work that is being carried out in relation to a group (details supplied) in County Mayo. [14745/07]

The Youth Affairs Section of my Department received a request for funding under the Special Projects for Youth Scheme on behalf of the Ballinrobe Youth Development Project. It was not possible to accede to this request due to the high level of existing commitments in the youth sector and the large number of new applications received this year, eighty three (83) in total.

Having regard also to the finances available in 2007 and the year-on-year costs of sanctioning new projects it was decided to sanction a maximum of three (3) new one-worker projects. The projects selected were Remember Us Youth Project, Co. Dublin, Belvedere Youth Project in Dublin City and the Curragh Youth Project, Co. Kildare.

School Staffing.

Liam Aylward

Question:

865 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will review the position of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford who has held a job sharing post for the past three years; and if she will consider approving this post for a further period. [14753/07]

The decision to approve an application for job-sharing is a matter for the authorities of the school concerned. In the case of schools that have over-quota teachers, applications for job-sharing may be considered by the authorities of the schools concerned in the normal way i.e. applications will be assessed and approved, in the first instance, by the school managerial authority. It is then open to the school authority to apply to my Department for additional teaching hours to fill the resultant vacancy and each such application is considered on its merits.

As the school in question has over quota teachers an application for replacement hours was submitted in respect of job-sharing for the teacher referred to by the Deputy on 28th February 2007. My Department notified the school of its decision on 13th April 2007.

Decentralisation Programme.

Willie Penrose

Question:

866 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if, during the course of the decentralisation of 300 personnel from her Department to Mullingar there will be provision for people with disabilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14755/07]

At present my Department provides any supports required by members of staff with disabilities in all of its locations in so far as this is possible. In general it is possible to provide any supports requested. This practice will be continued in respect of the 300 posts to decentralise to Mullingar. My Department must comply with the provisions of Part 5 of the Disability Act, 2005 in relation to the employment of persons with disabilities, as defined in the Act.

The provision of office space in Mullingar is a matter for the OPW. However, both Part M of the Building Regulations 1997 and the Disability Act 2005 regulate a minimum level of provision to be made within the office space for persons with disabilities.

School Placement.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

867 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that up to 60 qualified children in Celbridge, County Kildare, have failed to receive an enrolment place in any of the five national schools in the town; if her attention has further been drawn to the overcrowding in the existing schools and the proposals in the M4/N4 corridor study; if she has plans to build a new national school in Celbridge to cater for the children who cannot obtain access to existing schools; if so, if she will use the lands zoned for educational use by Kildare County Council in 2002; and the expected timescale for completion of this new school. [14757/07]

Catherine Murphy

Question:

875 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has received a request for a new school (details supplied); if so, her views on whether there is a need for such additional provision; the process that will be followed to provide a school; the timeframe in relation to same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14834/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 867 and 875 together.

I can confirm that an application was made to the New Schools Advisory Committee (NSCA) to establish a new primary school in Celbridge to commence operation next September. This is considerably earlier than suggested in the Area Development Plan for the N4/M4 corridor. However, the demographics and current demand for pupil places supports the application. I will be announcing the successful applicants on foot of the NSAC's Report in this matter shortly.

Teachers’ Remuneration.

Pat Breen

Question:

868 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 285 of 21 February 2007, when an application for incremental credit will be processed for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14772/07]

The application in question was received in my Department on the 19th February 2007. My Department subsequently wrote to the applicant, on the 2nd April 2007, seeking further information. When this further information is received, the application will be processed further.

Grant Payments.

John Gormley

Question:

869 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason there has been no increase in grant aid for the secondary education committee in 15 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14802/07]

I understand that the Deputy is referring to the Protestant Block Grant. There are 55 fee-charging second level schools in the country, of which 21 are Protestant. The latter schools receive funding by way of the Protestant Block Grant, which has its origins in the desire of the State to enable students of the Protestant persuasion to attend schools, which reflect their denominational ethos.

The Block Grant is payable to the Secondary Education Committee for distribution among qualifying Protestant children to enable them attend a Protestant secondary school, all of which charge fees. The method of calculation is broadly similar to the per capita grants payable to schools under the Free Education Scheme and the Block Grant has increased accordingly over the years in line with per capita increases.

John McGuinness

Question:

870 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will facilitate an appeal in the case of a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14808/07]

The appeal from the school to which the Deputy refers is under consideration and contact will be made with the school management authority directly as soon as a decision is taken.

School Transport.

Pat Breen

Question:

871 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in County Clare is not facilitated with school transport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14813/07]

My Department has requested the Transport Liaison Officer for County Clare to examine the situation regarding school transport for the pupil referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied. The Transport Liaison Officer will contact the family when this examination is completed.

School Accommodation.

Michael Ring

Question:

872 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress on the provision of funding towards new facilities for a primary school (details supplied) in County Mayo. [14816/07]

The school referred to by the Deputy originally applied in 1999 for an extension and refurbishment to provide for improved ancillary accommodation. A design team was appointed to the project and it was progressed to the early stages of architectural planning. Funding of €25,831 has been paid to date for professional and associated fees.

Subsequently, the school submitted an application under the Small Schools Scheme 2007 for additional accommodation including mainstream classrooms. On 5 March 2007, I announced details of the schools to receive funding under this Scheme. Due to the volume of applications received in the Department it was not possible to allocate funding to all proposed projects and the school referred to by the Deputy was not successful in this instance. The Department recently received an appeal from the school in relation to the initial decision which will be considered further.

Special Educational Needs.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

873 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the children with autism currently requiring teaching facilities throughout County Kildare; her plans to meet such requirements in full in view of the availability of resources; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14820/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

960 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the full extent of educational requirements and places for children with autism or similar educational needs throughout north Kildare; the extent to which the full placement requirement is expected to be met in the near future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15348/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 873 and 960 together.

The Deputy will be aware of my commitment to ensuring that all children, including those with autism, receive an education appropriate to their needs. My Department's 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 supports a multi-skills approach in regard to the education of children with autism where a range of teaching methods are available e.g. Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH), ABA (Applied Behavioural Analysis), Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS).

In this regard my Department has established:

188 special classes for children with autism, attached to special and mainstream schools, 19 of which are located in the Kildare area;

5 special classes for children with Asperger's Syndrome;

18 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 methodologies on a pilot basis, one of which is located in the Kildare area — 2 of these facilities have yet to be established.

As the Deputy is aware the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) was established under the Education for Persons with Special Needs (EPSEN) Act to improve the delivery of education services to persons with special educational needs arising from disabilities with particular emphasis on children. The NCSE has a key role in the delivery of services and operates through a network of special educational needs organisers (SENOs) who act as a focal point of contact for schools and parents. The role of the SENO includes the processing of applications from schools to establish special classes for autism. The NCSE will continue to establish classes for children with autism as and where required.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

874 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if there are facilities, opportunities or assistance available or in place to assist parents in County Kildare who have gifted children; her plans to address this issue in early date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14828/07]

Under the terms of the Education Act, 1998 it is a function of the Board of Management of each school, including those in Co Kildare, to publish the policy of the school relating to participation by students with special educational needs, including students who are exceptionally able. The measures the school take in this regard are required to be stated in the school plan. It is the duty of the board of management to ensure that appropriate education services are made available to such students.

In recent years, new syllabi and curricula have been devised for second-level schools. These have been designed in such a way that the differing needs of a wide range of pupil ability can be catered for by their teachers. The revised primary curriculum, which has been supplied to every primary teacher, recognises the importance of developing the full potential of the child and caters for pupil diversity, including meeting the needs of exceptionally able pupils.

While content is outlined in the curricula at both levels, process is also heavily emphasised. Enabling children to learn how to learn is stressed and facilitated. The development of language skills, investigatory and problem solving skills, higher-order thinking skills and working individually and as a member of a group are all encouraged at both levels. While the use of information and communication technologies and the use of class and school libraries are of benefit in project work with all pupils, they have a special importance for pupils who are exceptionally able.

Of particular significance at second level are the International Olympiads in the science subjects, in information technology and in mathematics, in which the exceptionally able and highest achieving pupils compete. There is also an increase in the number of teachers who are adopting approaches to teaching thinking skills such as de Bono's programme, Feuerstein's Instrumental Enrichment and Lipman's Philosophy for Children.

In general, schools at both primary and second level attempt to use strategies such as curriculum differentiation, curriculum enrichment and acceleration to facilitate the development of pupils who are exceptionally able. The National Centre for Curriculum and Assessment is currently developing guidelines for teachers of exceptionally able students which will be available later this year.

In addition, my Department provides annual funding to the Centre for Talented Youth at Dublin City University to support its work in delivering programmes, which are designed specifically for exceptionally able children of first and second level age. The grant amounted to €95,000 in 2006 and provision has been made for a €97,000 grant in 2007.

Question No. 875 answered with QuestionNo. 867.

Higher Education Grants.

Willie Penrose

Question:

876 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to a person who undertook a business studies course between September 2004 and May 2005, and who obtained a maintenance grant in respect of same, but did not complete the two year course and is now undertaking a course in general nursing in England; if their grant for undertaking such a nursing course will be clarified; if they will be eligible for the said grant from September 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14837/07]

Willie Penrose

Question:

932 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science the position, in relation to a person who undertook a business studies course between September 2004 and May 2005, and who obtained a maintenance grant in respect of same, but did not complete the two year course and is now undertaking a course in general nursing in England; if in relation to their grant, the undertaking for such a nursing course will be clarified; and if they will be eligible for the said grant from September 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15111/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 876 and 932 together.

Under the terms of my Departments Higher Education Grants Scheme, candidates who have previously pursued an undergraduate course approved for the purposes of the Higher Education Grants Scheme, the Vocational Education Committees' Scholarship Scheme or the Third Level Maintenance Grants Scheme for Trainees (formerly ESF Scheme) shall not receive a grant under this scheme until they have completed an equivalent period of study at undergraduate level, irrespective of whether or not a grant was paid previously. Similarly tuition fees under the Free Fees Initiative, are not payable in respect of a second period of college attendance on a course at the same level. This provision can only be waived in exceptional circumstances such as certified serious illness. The Free Fees Initiative does not extend to study outside of Ireland.

My Department understands, from the information provided on the candidate referred to by the Deputy, that the candidate has already pursued one year of a two-year business studies course and is now pursuing first year of a course in general nursing in England. Unfortunately, the candidate will be ineligible for funding until s/he has completed the equivalent period of study on the general nursing course. When the equivalent period of study is completed the candidate will become eligible to apply, and be assessed, for funding for the second course.

Question No. 877 withdrawn.

School Accommodation.

Pat Carey

Question:

878 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department is in discussions with the patrons of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 11 with a view to securing more suitable accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14843/07]

The Department is aware of the need to re-locate the school to which the Deputy refers. Possible accommodation solutions are currently under consideration and when a decision has been taken the school authority will be contacted directly in the matter.

Teaching Qualifications.

Pat Carey

Question:

879 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science the conversion courses available to teachers, who are employed in special projects or schools and can only teach in those projects or schools, to qualify to teach in mainstream primary schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14844/07]

The position is that at present, the courses run in the State, which allow for appointment to a permanent post in a primary school, are the Bachelor of Education degree and the 18-month post-graduate diploma in primary teaching. Both of these courses are run in the Colleges of Education, which specialise in the training of primary teachers. The 18 month Graduate Diploma course is a full-time course run to enable third level graduates to train as primary teachers.

There is also an on-line Graduate Diploma in Primary Education, provided by Hibernia College. This is a privately run course which has been accredited by the Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC). The Graduate Diploma conferred at the end of this course, is recognised by my Department for the purposes of primary teaching.

Post-Leaving Certificate Courses.

Liam Aylward

Question:

880 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has considered the applications from a PLC college (details supplied) in County Kilkenny to lift the cap on enrolments to allow this college develop additional courses for introduction in 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14845/07]

Applications for PLC provision for 2007/ 2008 have been received from all 33 Vocational Education Committees. These applications are being reviewed at present. Approval for new courses is dependent on the providers forwarding documentary evidence of a demand for such courses in the locality and, in addition to this, all aspects of each course will have to meet with the Conditions of Approval as set out in the criteria of the programme.

A total of 30,188 places are allocated each year to the PLC programme nationally. My Department endeavours to assist providers in developing the variety of courses available to best suit the learners, the economy and the community. My Department monitors enrolment figures to see where these places can be utilised to achieve the greatest results. In making a decision on applications for existing and additional courses and the support of these, my Department will review all the relevant information before making a final decision.

School Staffing.

Joan Burton

Question:

881 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of additional English language support teachers that have been allocated to schools in the Dublin 15 area; the number of teachers full-time and equivalent allocated to each primary school and each post-primary school following her recent announcement; the duration for which these teachers are appointed; if they are permanent appointments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14846/07]

The Deputy will be aware that I recently announced the allocation of 200 extra language support posts to schools, bringing the total number of language support teachers in our schools to 1,450. These new resources are intended for schools with large numbers of pupils who do not have English as a first language. Under the revised arrangements, depending on the number of eligible pupils enrolled, schools now have between one and six language support teachers. In addition, the limit of two years' support for an individual pupil no longer applies.

The additional 200 teachers are part of the Government's commitment in Towards 2016 to provide an extra 550 language support teachers by 2009 and to reform the limit of two teachers per school. It is intended that a further 350 language support teachers will be provided between 2008 and 2009. The primary schools and post-primary schools in Dublin that were allocated additional language support posts following my recent announcement are included in the table. All language support posts are sanctioned on a temporary basis for the duration of one school year by my Department.

In order to ensure that schools can accurately and objectively assess the language requirement of children, my Department will be sending to schools assessment materials which have been developed by Integrate Ireland Language and Training (IILT). The assessment materials will enable schools to ensure that the specific language requirements of children needing support are met in a targeted way. The IILT materials will also enable accurate initial and on-going assessment of the language proficiency of the child and his or her need for continued language support.

Details of Primary Schools Allocated Extra Language Support

Roll No.

School Name

County

19769W

Scoil Thomais

Laurel Lodge, Castleknock, Dublin 15

Dublin

19545A

Corduff N S

Corduff, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15

Dublin

19390U

St Marks Sen Ns

Springfield, Tallaght, Dublin 24

Dublin

19850F

Ladyswell N S

Ladyswell, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15

Dublin

20202A

Balbriggan Educate Together Ns

Hamlet Lane, Moylaragh, Co Dublin

Dublin

20201V

Tyrrelstown Educate Together

Powerstown Road, Tyrrelstown, Dublin15

Dublin

20137P

Mary Mother Of Hope Ns

Littlepace, Castaheany, Dublin 15

Dublin

19644C

St Ciarans N S

Hartstown, Dublin 15

Dublin

19472W

St Marks Junior N S

Springfield, Tallaght, Dublin 24

Dublin

18047C

Scoil Bride C

Blanchardstown, Dublin 15

Dublin

20130B

St Patricks Ns

C/O St Mochtas Ns, Porterstown Road, Clonsilla, Dublin 15

Dublin

19755L

Sacred Heart N S

Huntstown, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15

Dublin

19456B

St Cronan

Brackenstown, Swords, Co Dublin

Dublin

19707A

St Ronans N S

Deansrath, Clondalkin, Dublin 22

Dublin

19605P

Scoil Nais Mhuire Sois

Blakestown, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15

Dublin

12448N

Gardiner Street Convent

Gardiner Street, Dublin 1

Dublin

18778S

S N Naomh Mochta

Clonsilla, Dublin 15

Dublin

19782O

St Brigids N S

Brookfield, Tallaght, Dublin 24

Dublin

09932B

Stanhope St Convent

Stanhope Street, Dublin 7

Dublin

13611D

Presentation Primary School

Blackpitts, Dublin 8

Dublin

18046A

Scoil Bride B

Blanchardstown, Dublin 15

Dublin

19799I

Sacred Heart N S

Sruleen, Clondalkin, Dublin 22

Dublin

20187H

Archbishop Ryan Senior N S

Balgaddy, Lucan, Co Dublin

Dublin

18977B

S N Cholmcille C

Swords, Co Dublin

Dublin

19601H

St Philip The Apostle Junior N S

Mountview, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15

Dublin

19661C

St Gabriels Ns

Dominican Campus, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10

Dublin

17055T

S N Naomh Mhuire

Saggart, Co Dublin

Dublin

18976W

S N Cholmille B

Swords, Co Dublin

Dublin

18602E

Scoil Mhuire

Clondalkin, Dublin 22

Dublin

19878E

Ballycragh N S

Ballycragh, Firhouse, Tallaght, Dublin 24

Dublin

13447Q

Scoil Mhuire

Lucan, Co Dublin

Dublin

00743W

Mater Dei Primary School

Basin Lane, James Street, Dublin 8

Dublin

19509T

Scoil Nano Nagle

Bawnoge, Clondalkin, Dublin 22

Dublin

17899C

Scoil Carmel

Teach Giuise, Tallaght, Dublin 24, 124

Dublin

19220S

Scoil Naomh Ide

Clondalkin, Dublin 22

Dublin

17210F

Clochar Lughaidh Cailin

Williams Park, Rathmines, Dublin 6

Dublin

17954H

Scoil Caoimhin Naofa

Mount Merrion, Blackrock, Co Dublin, 134

Dublin

19662E

St Michaels Ns

Dominican Convent, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10

Dublin

19904C

Holy Cross N S

Upper Kilmacud Road, Dundrum, Dublin 14

Dublin

20231H

St Benedicts National School

Littlepace, Dublin 15

Dublin

19837N

Drimnagh Castle Cbs N S

Drimnagh Castle, Dublin 12

Dublin

19865S

Archbishop Ryan J N S

Balgaddy, Lucan, Co Dublin

Dublin

19542R

St Thomas Junior National School

St Thomas Ns, Esker, Lucan, Co Dublin

Dublin

19643A

St Philips Senior N S

Mountview, Clonsilla, Dublin 15

Dublin

20186F

Castaheany Educate Together Ns

Littlepace, Dublin 15

Dublin

19721R

Holy Family Junior N S

Forest Fields, Swords, Co Dublin

Dublin

19435Q

St Francis Xavier J N S

Roselawn Road, Castleknock, Dublin 15

Dublin

19949B

Islamic National School

19 Roebuck Road, Clonskeagh, Dublin 14

Dublin

16972E

S N Peadar Agus Pol N

Balbriggan, Co Dublin

Dublin

16567S

St Brigids Convent N S

Haddington Road, Dublin 4, 104

Dublin

20035H

St Gabriels N S

Cowper Street, Dublin 7

Dublin

17961E

S N Lusca

Lusk, Co Dublin, 133

Dublin

05933G

Georges Hill Convent

Georges Hill, Dublin 7

Dublin

17211H

Clochar Lughaidh Naoidh

Williams Park, Rathmines, Dublin 6, 106

Dublin

Details of Post-Primary Schools Allocated Extra Language Support

Roll No.

School Name

County

60264A

Colaiste Phadraig

Roselawn, Lucan, Co. Dublin

Dublin

60731F

St. Domnics College

Cabra, Dublin 7

Dublin

70010V

Balbriggan Community College

Chapel St., Balbriggan, Co. Dublin

Dublin

70042L

St. Kevins Community College

Fonthill Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22

Dublin

70081V

Riversdale Community College

Blanchardstown Rd. North, Dublin 15

Dublin

70120F

St. Finians Community College

Swords, Co. Dublin

Dublin

70121H

Fingal Community College

Seatown Rd. Swords, Co. Dublin

Dublin

70140L

Firhouse Community College

Firhouse Rd, Dublin 24

Dublin

76062B

Castleknock Community College

Carpenterstown Rd., Castleknock, Dublin 15

Dublin

91315O

Coolmine C.S.

Cluain Saileach, Dublin 15

Dublin

91316Q

Blakestown Community College

Blanchardstown, Dublin 15

Dublin

91339F

Hartstown Community College

Hartstown, Clonsilla, Dublin 15

Dublin

60440R

O’Connell School

North Richmond Street, Dublin 1

Dublin

School Placement.

Joan Burton

Question:

882 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of a number of children who meet all the criteria of living locally and have siblings in the school but have been refused a place in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; the action she will take in view of the fact that there have been repeated requests for additional accommodation, particularly the gym which has not been supplied by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14847/07]

Enrolment in individual schools is the responsibility of the managerial authority of those schools and the Department does not seek to intervene in decisions made by schools in such matters. The Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking places. This may result, however, in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.

It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of schools that are not in a position to admit all pupils seeking entry to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act. In this regard a board of management may find it necessary to restrict enrolment to children from a particular area or a particular age group or, occasionally, on the basis of some other criterion. In formulating an admissions policy a school must, however, ensure it is lawful. In particular, it must act in accordance with Section 7 of the Equal Status Act 2000 which, subject to very limited exceptions, prohibits schools from discriminating against people in relation to a number of matters including the admission of a pupil to the school.

Currently, under Section 29 of the Education Act 1998, parents of a student who has been refused enrolment in a school may appeal that decision to the Secretary General of this Department. Such appeals are dealt with within 30 days of their receipt and where an appeal is upheld the Secretary General is empowered to direct the school to enrol the student. Otherwise, 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.

Officials in the School Planning Section of the Department have carried out a survey of the number of children who will leave primary school in the area concerned in June 2007. This survey indicates that there will be a total of 1,018 children seeking first year places in 2007/08 as compared with 897 in 2006/07. Given that there is spare capacity at two post primary schools in the Dublin 15 area, I am satisfied that there are sufficient places to cater for current demand, even though every pupil may not secure a place in the school of first choice.

With regard to the provision of a PE Hall for the school referred to by the Deputy, I am pleased to be able to inform the Deputy that the Department has given approval for this project to proceed.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Joan Burton

Question:

883 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will supply the information previously requested in relation to specific schools in Dublin 15 with regard to class sizes (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14848/07]

The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available. As the Deputy will be aware, major improvements have been made in staffing at primary level in recent years. There are now 5,000 more primary teachers than there were in 2002. The average class size in our primary schools is 24 and there is now one teacher for 17 pupils at primary level, including resource teachers etc. Children with special needs and those from disadvantaged areas are getting more support than ever before to help them to make the most of their time at school.

Indeed, with the thousands of extra primary teachers hired by this Government, recent years have seen the largest expansion in teacher numbers since the expansion of free education. Furthermore, the Government is committed to providing even more primary teachers next year to reduce class sizes.

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

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.

Teachers’ Remuneration.

Máire Hoctor

Question:

884 Ms Hoctor asked the Minister for Education and Science if a resolution will be reached in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary who has an outstanding issue with her Department regarding a benchmarking award to be applied to wages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14861/07]

The terms and conditions of employment are a matter between the employee and the employer, the VEC in this case. The person in question should address any further queries in relation to their entitlements to the VEC.

Schools Building Projects.

Joan Burton

Question:

885 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress of the planning application in relation to the proposed permanent site in Ongar for schools (details supplied) in Dublin 15; when building works are expected to begin on the new buildings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14868/07]

The site has been secured for the schools referred to by the Deputy. The process of appointing a design team to the building project for the first named school is well underway and will be completed shortly. Architectural planning of the new building will begin immediately thereafter. The planning application refers to the second named school and a decision on this revised application is due in the next fortnight. Assuming there are no difficulties with the revised application, building works on the new school building will commence early this summer.

School Accommodation.

Joan Burton

Question:

886 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the existing site (details supplied) is grossly overcrowded; if this site will be significantly extended; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14869/07]

As the Deputy is probably aware there are currently three schools on the site in question. Two of these schools, however, are using the site on a temporary basis only and it is planned to ultimately permanently locate them on a site Ongar. The site itself at Littlepace will then accommodate two 16 classroom schools with a shared community facility. One of the school buildings has already been delivered and a project to provide the other is ahead of its target delivery date of September 2007. The completion of this building project will alleviate accommodation issues on the site.

Schools Building Projects.

Joan Burton

Question:

887 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress of the planned school (details supplied); if a date has been set for the completion of temporary accommodation and the opening of the school in temporary buildings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14870/07]

Trevor Sargent

Question:

953 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made towards opening a new secondary school in the Phibblestown/Ongar area; when such a school will be built; when such a school will open; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15273/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 887 and 953 together.

I have given the go ahead for a new 1,000 pupil post-primary school in Phibblestown, Co. Dublin. This new school will be delivered along with new schools in Donabate, Co Dublin and Laytown, Co. Meath under a design and build contract that is aimed at delivering 3,000 school places for these rapidly developing areas. The inclusion of these three projects in one bundle will further facilitate the achievement of value for money.

My Department has appointed Project Managers to oversee the delivery of these projects and they are currently arranging for the sites to be surveyed. The procurement process is well advanced for a Design Team to do the initial design of these 3 new schools. Thereafter, a Design and Build contractor will be appointed to complete the designs and build the new schools. My Department is working closely with County Dublin Vocational Education Committee on the delivery of the Phibblestown project. Assuming there are no delays during the design and planning permission phases, it is envisaged that the school will be completed as close as possible to the 2009/2010 school year. The provision of temporary accommodation to enable the school to open at an earlier date is currently under consideration.

School Placement.

Joan Burton

Question:

888 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to a person (details supplied) who to date is without a place for primary school having sought a place at their local primary school; her proposals to address the need of this child and provide reassurance to the parents that their child will receive a place in the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14879/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

890 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to a person (details supplied) who to date is without a place for primary school; her proposals to address the need of this child and provide reassurance to the parents that their child will receive a place in the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14881/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

891 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to a person (details supplied) who to date is without a place for primary school having sought a place at their local primary school; her proposals to address the need of this child and provide reassurance to the parents that their child will receive a place in the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14882/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

892 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to a person (details supplied) who to date is without a place for primary school; her proposals to address the need of this child and provide reassurance to the parents that their child will receive a place in the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14883/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

893 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to a person (details supplied) who to date is without a place for primary school having sought a place at four primary schools in the Dublin 15 area; her proposals to address the need of this child and provide reassurance to the parents that their child will receive a place in the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14884/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

927 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to persons (details supplied) who to date are without a place for primary school having sought a place at their local primary school; her proposals to address the need of these persons and give some reassurance to the parents that the persons will get a place in the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15105/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

928 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to a person (details supplied) who to date is without a place for primary school having sought a place at their local primary school; her proposals to address the need of this person and give some reassurance to the parents that the person will get a place in the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15106/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

929 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to a person (details supplied) who to date is without a place for primary school having sought a place at their local primary school; her proposals to address the need of this person and give some reassurance to the parents that the person will get a place in the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15107/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

930 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to a person (details supplied) who to date is without a place for primary school having sought a place at their local primary school; her proposals to address the need of this person and give some reassurance to the parents that the person will get a place in the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15108/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

931 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to a person (details supplied) who to date is without a place for primary school having sought a place at their local primary school; her proposals to address the need of this person and give some reassurance to the parents that the person will get a place in the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15109/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 888, 890 to 893, inclusive, and 927 to 931, inclusive, together.

Enrolment in individual schools is the responsibility of the managerial authority of those schools and the Department does not seek to intervene in decisions made by schools in such matters. The Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking places. This may result, however, in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.

It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of schools that are not in a position to admit all pupils seeking entry to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act. In this regard a board of management may find it necessary to restrict enrolment to children from a particular area or a particular age group or, occasionally, on the basis of some other criterion. In formulating an admissions policy a school must, however, ensure it is lawful. In particular, it must act in accordance with Section 7 of the Equal Status Act 2000 which, subject to very limited exceptions, prohibits schools from discriminating against people in relation to a number of matters including the admission of a pupil to the school.

Currently, under Section 29 of the Education Act 1998, parents of a student who has been refused enrolment in a school may appeal that decision to the Secretary General of this Department. Such appeals are dealt with within 30 days of their receipt and where an appeal is upheld the Secretary General is empowered to direct the school to enrol the student. Otherwise, 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.

I am conscious that there is considerable pressure for school places in the Dublin 15 area in general. Adding to this pressure is the fact that a number of parents have enrolled their children in more than one school. This has the result of inflating the number of children apparently seeking places. Officials in the School Planning Section of the Department are liaising with school principals in the area with a view to ensuring that all eligible pupils seeking places for 2007 will have access to them.

Joan Burton

Question:

889 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to a person (details supplied) who to date is without a place for primary school having sought a place at their local primary school; her proposals to address the need of this child and provide reassurance to the parents that their child will receive a place in the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14880/07]

Enrolment in individual schools is the responsibility of the managerial authority of those schools and the Department does not seek to intervene in decisions made by schools in such matters. The Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking places. This may result, however, in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.

It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of schools that are not in a position to admit all pupils seeking entry to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act. In this regard a board of management may find it necessary to restrict enrolment to children from a particular area or a particular age group or, occasionally, on the basis of some other criterion. In formulating an admissions policy a school must, however, ensure it is lawful. In particular, it must act in accordance with Section 7 of the Equal Status Act 2000 which, subject to very limited exceptions, prohibits schools from discriminating against people in relation to a number of matters including the admission of a pupil to the school.

Currently, under Section 29 of the Education Act 1998, parents of a student who has been refused enrolment in a school may appeal that decision to the Secretary General of this Department. Such appeals are dealt with within 30 days of their receipt and where an appeal is upheld the Secretary General is empowered to direct the school to enrol the student. Otherwise, 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.

I am conscious that there is considerable pressure for school places in the Dublin 15 area in general. Adding to this pressure is the fact that a number of parents have enrolled their children in more than one school. This has the result of inflating the number of children apparently seeking places. Officials in the School Planning Section of the Department are liaising with school principals in the area with a view to ensuring that all eligible pupils seeking places for 2007 will have access to them.

Questions Nos. 890 to 893, inclusive, answered with Question No. 888.
Question No. 894 answered with QuestionNo. 808.

Higher Education Grants.

Michael Noonan

Question:

895 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science if funding is available to a person who is doing an Open University degree course in the United Kingdom from their home here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14902/07]

The statutory framework for the maintenance grants scheme, as set out in the Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Acts, 1969 to 1992, provides for means-tested higher education grants in order to assist students to attend full-time third level education. An approved course, for the purposes of the Higher Education Grants Scheme is, generally speaking, a full-time undergraduate course of not less than two years duration or a full-time postgraduate course of not less than one-year duration pursued in an approved third-level institution. The institutions approved under the Scheme, are, generally speaking, publicly funded third level colleges offering full-time courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

Similarly under the terms of the Free Fees Initiative, whereby the State meets the tuition costs of eligible students, an approved course is defined as a full-time undergraduate course of a minimum duration of two years in an approved third level institution. Courses provided by the Open University are not approved courses under the terms of the Maintenance Grant Schemes or the Free Fees Initiative.

However, Section 473A, Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997, provides tax relief, at the standard rate of tax, for tuition fees paid in respect of approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including certain approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in EU Member States and postgraduate courses in non-EU countries. Tax relief at undergraduate level extends to approved full/part-time courses in both private and publicly funded third level colleges in the State and any other EU Member State and approved full/part-time courses operated by Colleges in any EU Member State providing distance education in the State. Approved undergraduate courses must be of at least two years duration, and both the college and the course must satisfy the Codes of Standards as laid down by the my Department. Further details and conditions in relation to this tax relief are available from the candidate's local Tax Office.

An extension of the scope of the Free Fees Initiative or the Maintenance Grant Schemes to provide for students pursuing distance education courses, on a similar basis as currently exists for full-time students, could only be considered having regard to overall resource constraints and other competing demands in the education sector.

Schools Building Projects.

Enda Kenny

Question:

896 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will publish the projected building programme for 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 for all primary school buildings here in the expectation of being able to cater for 4,000 extra primary teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14904/07]

I make regular announcements throughout the year, rather than on an annual basis, regarding school building projects to commence architectural planning, progress through the design stages and proceed to tender and construction. This is done in the context of my Department's structured School building and Modernisation Programme in a planned way to ensure a continuous flow of projects entering construction.

As the Deputy will be aware, the National Development Plan 2007-2013 provides approximately €4.5 billion for school buildings. This record level of investment will ensure that extra classrooms and extra schools can be provided where and when they are needed.

Teacher Training.

Enda Kenny

Question:

897 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the projected input of trainee teachers for primary school purposes in each of the training college facilities for 2007/08, 2008/09 and 2009/10; the estimated number of trainee teachers to be trained in each such facility for each academic year; the number of trained teachers available at the end of each training year period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14905/07]

The level of student intake to the Colleges of Education is determined annually by my Department and it takes account of the supply of, and demand for, primary teachers. The number of students expected to graduate from the 2006/2007 academic year, from the Colleges of Education are as follows:

Colleges of Education

Number

Church of Ireland College of Education, Rathmines

33

Colaiste Mhuire, Marino

162

Froebel College of Education, Blackrock

85

St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra

495

Mary Immaculate College, Limerick

508

In addition to the above it is estimated that there will be in the region of 500 graduates from the Hibernia College.

The intake into the Colleges of Education in future years will continue to be kept under review by my Department to ensure that there is an adequate supply of teachers.

School Staffing.

Enda Kenny

Question:

898 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of language support teachers appointed to schools in respect of international children who require language support since her decision to abolish the two year cap and the two teacher rule; the schools to which extra language support teachers have been appointed since her decision; the number of international children in each such named school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14906/07]

The Deputy will be aware that I recently announced the allocation of 200 extra language support posts to schools, bringing the total number of language support teachers in our schools to 1,450. These new resources are intended for schools with large numbers of pupils who do not have English as a first language. Under the revised arrangements, depending on the number of eligible pupils enrolled, schools now have between one and six language support teachers. In addition, the limit of two years' support for an individual pupil no longer applies.

The additional 200 teachers are part of the Government's commitment in Towards 2016 to provide an extra 550 language support teachers by 2009 and to reform the limit of two teachers per school. It is intended that a further 350 language support teachers will be provided between 2008 and 2009. The primary schools and post-primary schools which were allocated additional language support following my recent announcement are included in the table. The number of international pupils in each of the schools is not readily available in my Department.

In order to ensure that schools can accurately and objectively assess the language requirement of children, my Department will be sending to schools assessment materials which have been developed by Integrate Ireland Language and Training (IILT). The assessment materials will enable schools to ensure that the specific language requirements of children needing support are met in a targeted way. The IILT materials will also enable accurate initial and on-going assessment of the language proficiency of the child and his or her need for continued language support.

Details of Primary Schools Allocated Extra Language Support

Roll No.

School Name

County

19769W

Scoil Thomais

Laurel Lodge, Castleknock, Dublin 15

Dublin

19545A

Corduff N S

Corduff, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15

Dublin

18288B

Scoil Mhichil Naofa

Athy, Co Kildare

Kildare

19390U

St Marks Sen Ns

Springfield, Tallaght, Dublin 24

Dublin

19850F

Ladyswell N S

Ladyswell, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15

Dublin

20202A

Balbriggan Educate Together Ns

Hamlet Lane, Moylaragh, Co Dublin

Dublin

20201V

Tyrrelstown Educate Together

Powerstown Road, Tyrrelstown, Dublin 15

Dublin

19673J

St Josephs N S

Avenue Road, Dundalk, Co Louth

Louth

17969U

S N Mhuire

An Uaimh, Co Na Mi

Meath

19336O

Scoil Phoil Naofa

Dooradoyle, Limerick

Limerick

00934G

Presentation Convent (Jnr)

Mullingar, Co Westmeath

Westmeath

00512D

Midleton Convent N S

Midleton, Co Cork

20137P

Mary Mother Of Hope Ns

Littlepace, Castaheany, Dublin 15

Dublin

19644C

St Ciarans N S

Hartstown, Dublin 15

Dublin

19472W

St Marks Junior N S

Springfield, Tallaght, Dublin 24

Dublin

18047C

Scoil Bride C

Blanchardstown, Dublin 15

Dublin

20130B

St Patricks Ns

C/O St Mochtas Ns, Porterstown Road, Clonsilla, Dublin 15

Dublin

19755L

Sacred Heart N S

Huntstown, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15

Dublin

19456B

St Cronan

Brackenstown, Swords, Co Dublin

Dublin

19707A

St Ronans N S

Deansrath, Clondalkin, Dublin 22

Dublin

19605P

Scoil Nais Mhuire Sois

Blakestown, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15

Dublin

12448N

Gardiner Street Convent

Gardiner Street, Dublin 1

Dublin

18778S

S N Naomh Mochta

Clonsilla, Dublin 15

Dublin

19782O

St Brigids N S

Brookfield, Tallaght, Dublin 24

Dublin

09932B

Stanhope St Convent

Stanhope Street, Dublin 7

Dublin

19226H

Scoil Na Trionoide Naofa

Muirbheach, Gaillimh

Galway

13365O

Scoil Mhuire

Oranmore, Co Galway

Galway

18247K

S N Mhuire Na Mbraithre

Tralee, Co Kerry

Kerry

19512I

St Olivers Ns

Ballycasheen, Killarney, Co Kerry

Kerry

20018H

Maria King Presentation Primary

Sexton Street, Limerick

Limerick

19598V

Muire Na Ngael Ns

Bay Estate, Dundalk, Co Louth

Louth

19479N

Rathmullan N S

Rathmullen, Drogheda, Co Louth

Louth

00851C

Presentation Convent

Ballymakenny Road, Drogheda, Co Louth

Louth

08052M

Scoil Mhuire Fatima

Dublin Road, Drogheda, Co Louth

Louth

16100Q

Mercy Convent N S

Navan, Co Meath

Meath

18057F

Scoil Mhuire

Tullamore, Co Offaly

Offaly

15083O

St Marys Convent N S

Roscommon, Co Roscommon

Roscommon

20073P

St Marys Ns

Gracepark Rd, Athlone, Co Westmeath

Westmeath

19477J

Holy Family B N S

Askea, Carlow, Co Carlow

Carlow

19958C

S.N. Naomh Fhiach

Graiguecullen, Co Carlow

Carlow

19552U

Naomh Tola

Shannon, Co Clare

Clare

17957N

Ennis Convent Inf N S

Ennis, Co Clare

Clare

15042A

Ennis N S

Ennis, Co Clare

Clare

20086B

Ennis Educate Together Ns

Gort Road, Ennis, Co Clare

Clare

19771J

Scoil Barra

Innishmore, Baile An Chollaigh, Co Chorcai

Cork

20106E

Scoil Nioclais

Frankfield, Grange, Cork

Cork

05508O

St Columbas N.S

Dughlas, Corcaigh

Cork

13828F

Douglas B N S

Douglas, Cork

Cork

17868O

Scoil Freastogail Muire

Fermoy, Co Cork

Cork

10047I

Macroom Convent N S

Macroom, Co Cork

Cork

14000C

Scoil Naomh Mhuire

N Mhuire An Oileain, Sharman Crawford St, Cork

Cork

19927O

Scoil Mhuire B & C

Stranorlar, Co Donegal

Donegal

18625Q

Scoil Choilmcille

Convent Road, Letterkenny, Co Donegal

Donegal

13611D

Presentation Primary School

Blackpitts, Dublin 8

Dublin

18046A

Scoil Bride B

Blanchardstown, Dublin 15

Dublin

19799I

Sacred Heart N S

Sruleen, Clondalkin, Dublin 22

Dublin

20187H

Archbishop Ryan Senior N S

Balgaddy, Lucan, Co Dublin

Dublin

18977B

S N Cholmcille C

Swords, Co Dublin

Dublin

19601H

St Philip The Apostle Junior N S

Mountview, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15

Dublin

19661C

St Gabriels Ns

Dominican Campus, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10

Dublin

17055T

S N Naomh Mhuire

Saggart, Co Dublin

Dublin

18976W

S N Cholmille B

Swords, Co Dublin

Dublin

18602E

Scoil Mhuire

Clondalkin, Dublin 22

Dublin

19878E

Ballycragh N S

Ballycragh, Firhouse, Tallaght, Dublin 24

Dublin

13447Q

Scoil Mhuire

Lucan, Co Dublin

Dublin

00743W

Mater Dei Primary School

Basin Lane, James Street, Dublin 8

Dublin

19509T

Scoil Nano Nagle

Bawnoge, Clondalkin, Dublin 22

Dublin

17899C

Scoil Carmel

Teach Giuise, Tallaght, Dublin 24

Dublin

19220S

Scoil Naomh Ide

Clondalkin, Dublin 22

Dublin

17210F

Clochar Lughaidh Cailin

Williams Park, Rathmines, Dublin 6

Dublin

17954H

Scoil Caoimhin Naofa

Mount Merrion, Blackrock, Co Dublin

Dublin

19662E

St Michaels Ns

Dominican Convent, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10

Dublin

19904C

Holy Cross N S

Upper Kilmacud Road, Dundrum, Dublin 14

Dublin

20231H

St Benedicts National School

Littlepace, Dublin 15

Dublin

19837N

Drimnagh Castle Cbs N S

Drimnagh Castle, Dublin 12

Dublin

19865S

Archbishop Ryan J N S

Balgaddy, Lucan, Co Dublin

Dublin

19542R

St Thomas Junior National School

St Thomas Ns, Esker, Lucan, Co Dublin

Dublin

19643A

St Philips Senior N S

Mountview, Clonsilla, Dublin 15

Dublin

20186F

Castaheany Educate Together Ns

Littlepace, Dublin 15

Dublin

19721R

Holy Family Junior N S

Forest Fields, Swords, Co Dublin

Dublin

19435Q

St Francis Xavier J N S

Roselawn Road, Castleknock, Dublin 15

Dublin

19949B

Islamic National School

19 Roebuck Road, Clonskeagh, Dublin 14

Dublin

16972E

S N Peadar Agus Pol N

Balbriggan, Co Dublin

Dublin

16567S

St Brigids Convent N S

Haddington Road, Dublin 4

Dublin

20035H

St Gabriels N S

Cowper Street, Dublin 7

Dublin

17961E

S N Lusca

Lusk, Co Dublin

Dublin

05933G

Georges Hill Convent

Georges Hill, Dublin 7

Dublin

17211H

Clochar Lughaidh Naoidh

Williams Park, Rathmines, Dublin 6

Dublin

17782E

S N Bride Naofa

Sean Tallamh, Gaillimh

Galway

01013N

Scoil Croi Iosa

Presentation Road, Galway

Galway

16943U

Niochlas N S

An Cladach, An Gaillimh

Galway

19241D

Dominican Convent

Taylor Hill, Galway

Galway

19401W

S N Caitriona Sois

Renmore, Co Galway

Galway

04515G

Scoil An Linbh Iosa

St Francis St, Galway

Galway

19487M

Holy Cross Mercy School

Killarney, Co Kerry

Kerry

13530D

Scoil Mhuire

Tobar Mui Doire, Traili, Co Chiarrai

Kerry

19536W

Holy Family

Holy Family Ns, Balloonagh, Tralee, Co Kerry

Kerry

20114D

Scoil Brid

Oldtown, Naas, Co Kildare

Kildare

15599D

St Brigids Primary School

Kildare, Co Kildare

Kildare

15040T

Mercy Convent Primary School

Naas, Co Kildare

Kildare

19653D

San Carlo Junior Ns

Leixlip, Co Kildare

Kildare

16705E

Scoil Phadraig Naofa

Ath-I, Co Chill Dara

Kildare

19597T

An Linbh Iosa

Ballycane, Naas, Co Kildare

Kildare

18551N

Scoil Na Mainistreach

Oldtown Road, Celbridge, Co Kildare

Kildare

18828H

St. Pauls Primary School

Borris Road, Portlaoise, Co Laois

Laois

17906T

Marist G N S

Cara Droma Ruisc, Co Leitrim

Leitrim

17937H

Scoil Moin A Lin

Castleroy, Limerick

Limerick

18178R

St Josephs Convent

Longford, Co Longford

Longford

20124G

St Marysn.S

Edgeworthstown, Edgeworthstown, Co Longford

Longford

17195M

C.B.S. Primary

Chapel Street, Dundalk, Co Louth

Louth

17059E

Scoil Na Mbraithre Sn

Geata An Domhnaigh, Droichead Atha, Co Lui

Louth

19215C

S N Ard Mhuire C

Ballsgrove, Drogheda, Co Louth

Louth

15259C

S N N Maolmhaodhagh C

Dundalk, Co Louth

Louth

15260K

S N N Maolmhaodhagh N

Dundalk, Co Louth

Louth

18098T

S N Bhride C

Bothar Brugha, Drogheda, Co Louth

Louth

18347O

S N San Nioclas

Nicholas St, Dundalk, Co Louth

Louth

17949O

S N Padraig Naofa B

Bothar Brugha, Drogheda, Co Louth

Louth

16469S

St Nicholas Monastery Ns

Philip Street, Dundalk, Co Louth

Louth

18694M

Convent Of Mercy N S

Castlebar, Co Mayo

Mayo

19476H

St Oliver Plunkett Ns

Navan, Co Meath

Meath

20179I

St Stephens Ns

C/O St Marthas College, Johnstown, Co Meath

Meath

20180Q

Scoil Naomh Eoin

Windtown, Navan, Co Meath

Meath

19486K

Scoil Nais Deaglain

Ashbourne, Co Meath

Meath

00359V

St. Louis Girls National School

Park Road, Monaghan Town

Monaghan

19980S

St Attractas N S

Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon

Roscommon

20188J

Mullingar Educate Together

Cullion, Mullingar, Co Westmeath

Westmeath

18405C

S N Phoil Naofa

Athlone, Co Westmeath

Westmeath

16145P

Loreto Primary School

Gorey, Co Wexford

Wexford

17181B

St Josephs N S

Templerainey, Arklow, Co Wicklow

Wicklow

17091A

S N Muire

Blessington, Co Wicklow

Wicklow

Details of Post-Primary Schools Allocated Extra Language Support

Roll No.

School Name

County

71400Q

Galway Community College

Wellpark, Galway

Galway

71761C

St. Oliver’s Community College

Drogheda, Co. Louth

Louth

70830N

Ennis Community College

Ennis, Co. Clare

Clare

72010I

Beaufort College

Trim Road, Navan, Co. Meath

Meath

60264A

Coláiste Phádraig CBS

Roselawn, Lucan, Co. Dublin

Dublin

60731F

St. Dominic’s College

Cabra, Dublin 7

Dublin

61141M

Presentation College

Askea, Carlow

Carlow

70010V

Balbriggan Community College

Chapel St., Balbriggan, Co. Dublin

Dublin

70042L

St. Kevin’s Community College

Fonthill Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22

Dublin

70081V

Riversdale Community College

Blanchardstown Rd. North, Dublin 15

Dublin

70120F

St. Finian’s Community College

Swords, Co. Dublin

Dublin

70121H

Fingal Community College

Seatown Road, Swords, Co. Dublin

Dublin

70140L

Firhouse Community College

Firhouse Road, Dublin 24

Dublin

70420R

Carlow Vocational School

Kilkenny Road, Carlow

Carlow

76062B

Castleknock Community College

Carpenterstown Road, Castleknock, Dublin 15

Dublin

91315O

Coolmine C.S.

Cluain Saileach, Dublin 15

Dublin

91316Q

Blakestown Community School

Blanchardstown, Dublin 15

Dublin

91339F

Hartstown Community School

Hartstown, Clonsilla, Dublin 15

Dublin

64220A

St. Clements College

South Circular Road, Limerick

Limerick

70710D

St. Patrick’s Community College

Limerick Road, Naas, Co. Kildare

Kildare

60440R

O’Connell School

North Richmond St., Dublin 1

Dublin

School Accommodation.

Enda Kenny

Question:

899 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a new school has not been provided at Midfield, Swinford, County Mayo which was promised seven years ago; the reason for such delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14907/07]

The school referred to by the Deputy originally applied for an extension and refurbishment to provide for improved ancillary accommodation. The project proposed initially did not include additional mainstream classrooms and having regard to competing demands on the building programme the application was at that time afforded a lower priority rating.

The school submitted an application under the Small Schools Scheme 2007 for additional accommodation including mainstream classrooms. On 5 March 2007, I announced details of the schools to receive funding under this Scheme. Due to the volume of applications received in the Department it was not possible to allocate funding to all proposed projects and the school referred to by the Deputy was not successful in this instance. The Department recently received an appeal from the school in relation to the initial decision which will be considered further.

Departmental Expenditure.

Enda Kenny

Question:

900 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the annual rent paid by her Department for prefab buildings at primary schools here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14908/07]

The provision of rented accommodation provides an immediate solution to a deficit of school accommodation, and is often the only available option where extra accommodation is needed at short notice. The demand for additional accommodation in schools has risen significantly over the last number of years mainly due to the rapid expansion in teacher numbers particularly in the area of special needs, the growth in the school-going population in rapidly developing areas and the demands to cater for diversity through the recognition of new Gaelscoileanna and Educate Together schools. The provision of rented accommodation is demand led and accordingly the number of schools in rented temporary accommodation can change on a daily basis.

The total amount spent on temporary accommodation, including prefabricated accommodation, in 2006 was €24.51m. The total capital expenditure at primary and post-primary level in 2006 was €524.68m, therefore, the expenditure on rental of temporary school accommodation for the same period represents only 4.67% as a % of the total capital expenditure.

School Accommodation.

Enda Kenny

Question:

901 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science her proposals to increase accommodation at a primary school (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the expansion of housing built in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14909/07]

The school referred to by the Deputy applied and was approved for funding under the devolved Permanent Accommodation Scheme for 2007. The school has recently forwarded correspondence to the School Planning Section of the Department regarding increased funding for the project. The matter is under consideration and a decision will be conveyed to school management shortly.

Special Educational Needs.

John Deasy

Question:

902 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the limited support services available for autistic children in the Waterford and Tramore areas; her views on whether it is essential that autistic children receive such services on a sustained basis before they are five years old; if she will provide funding to ensure that dedicated ongoing services are provided to autistic children in Waterford city and county in the areas of psychological services, speech therapy and occupational therapy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14941/07]

The Deputy will be aware of my commitment to ensuring that all children, including those with autism, receive an education appropriate to their needs and in this regard the following specialist education classes for children on the autistic spectrum have been established across the country:

188 special classes for children with autism, attached to special and mainstream schools;

5 special classes for children with Asperger's Syndrome;

18 pre-school classes to facilitate the demand for early intervention provision for children on the autistic spectrum; in this regard my Department has established:

188 special classes for children with autism, attached to special and mainstream schools;

5 special classes for children with Asperger's Syndrome;

18 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 methodologies on a pilot basis — 2 of these facilities have yet to be established.

I have requested that NEPS update me with regard to the level of psychological support available in the region referred to by the Deputy. As the Deputy will be aware, the provision of therapy services including speech therapy and occupational therapy is a matter for the Health Services Executive (HSE) and funding is provided to the HSE for such purposes.

Schools Building Projects.

Denis Naughten

Question:

903 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of the application for the construction of a new community school in Ballinamore, County Leitrim; her plans to progress the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14947/07]

Denis Naughten

Question:

904 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will appoint a design team and architect for a project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14948/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 903 and 904 together.

The Department recognises the need for a new Community School in Ballinamore. The Office of Public Works (OPW) are acting on behalf of the Department in relation to the acquisition of a site for the project and the acquisition of same is currently at contract/conveyancing stages. On completion of the site acquisition process the project will progress in the context of the Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

School Staffing.

Tom Hayes

Question:

905 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will address the long time lag between when a school (details supplied) becomes eligible for an additional teacher and when it is permitted to hire an additional teacher. [14950/07]

The mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30th September of the previous school year. The actual number of mainstream posts sanctioned is determined by reference to a staffing schedule which is issued to all primary schools each year. My Department has no plans to change this.

Data submitted to the Department by the Board of Management of the school referred to by the Deputy indicate that the enrolment in the school on 30th September 2005 was 246 pupils. In accordance with the staffing schedule (Circular 0023/2006), which is available on the Department's website at www.education.ie, the mainstream staffing in the school for the 2006/07 school year is a Principal and 9 mainstream class teachers.

According to data submitted to the Department by the Board of Management of the school, the enrolment in the school on 30th September 2006 was 244 pupils. In accordance with the staffing schedule (Circular 0020/2007), which is available on the Department's website at www.education.ie and a hard copy of which has issued to all primary schools, the mainstream staffing in the school for the 2007/08 school year will be a Principal and 9 mainstream class teachers.

Within the terms of the staffing arrangements for primary schools there is provision for additional posts, referred to as developing school posts, to be assigned to schools on the basis of projected enrolments for the next school year. Under these arrangements, a developing school post may be sanctioned provisionally where the projected enrolment at 30th September of the school year in question equals or exceeds a specified figure. If the specified figure is not achieved on 30th September, sanction for the post is withdrawn.

Schools Building Projects.

Joan Burton

Question:

906 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science if in view of the demand for secondary school places in the Dublin 15 area she will instruct or give permission to the County Dublin Vocational Educational Committee to initiate the proposed secondary school at Phibblestown; if she will appoint or instruct the VEC to appoint a board of management and a principal and have the school commenced for September 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14951/07]

My Department is committed to providing a permanent building for the new post-primary school in Phibblestown as soon as possible. The school will be delivered along with new schools in Donabate, Co Dublin and Laytown, Co. Meath under a design and build contract that is aimed at delivering 3,000 school places for these rapidly developing areas. The Department has appointed a Project Manager to oversee the delivery of these projects. The procurement process is well advanced for a Design Team to do the initial design of these 3 new schools. Thereafter, a Design and Build contractor will be appointed to complete the designs and build the new schools. The Department is working closely with County Dublin Vocational Education Committee on the delivery of the Phibblestown project. Assuming there are no delays during the design and planning permission phases, it is envisaged that the school will be completed as close as possible to the 2009/2010 school year. The provision of temporary accommodation to enable the school to open at an earlier date is currently under consideration.

Joan Burton

Question:

907 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science if she proposes to initiate a new primary school for the Luttrelstown-Diswellstown-Clonsilla area in view of the number of children without school places for the area; if the school will be a further parish school or if the school will be under the patronage of the County Dublin Vocational Educational Committee as previously suggested in press statements by her; the location where the school will be located on a temporary and on a permanent basis; when enrolments for the school will commence; when parents will be advised on the matter; and if she will make a statement on the primary school places crisis for this area in Dublin 15. [14952/07]

Joe Higgins

Question:

912 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science if the vocational educational committee sponsored primary school recently flagged for Dublin 15 will open in a temporary site in September 2007 in view of the crisis of children excluded from starting school in many primary schools in Dublin 15. [14972/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 907 and 912 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, last February I announced a new additional model of primary school patronage which will be introduced, on a pilot basis in September 2008, in Diswellstown, Dublin 15. This school will operate under the administrative framework of the County Dublin Vocational Education Committee. The Department has commenced a process of consultation with the relevant education partners to explore the detailed implementation measures that will need to be put in place prior to the opening of the new school. A location for the new school is under consideration.

I am conscious that there is considerable pressure for school places in the Dublin 15 area in general. Adding to this pressure is the fact that a number of parents have enrolled their children in more than one school. This has the result of inflating the number of children apparently seeking places. Officials in the School Planning Section of the Department are liaising with school principals in the area with a view to ensuring that all eligible pupils seeking places for 2007 will have access to them.

Joan Burton

Question:

908 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the discussion her Department has had with the Dublin archdiocese of the Catholic Church and the County Dublin Vocational Educational Committee with regard to providing additional school accommodation and schools for the Dublin 15 area at primary and secondary area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14953/07]

The recognition of new primary schools is a matter for the New Schools Advisory Committee. It is open to any patron body to apply for the recognition of a new school through this body. Details of the application procedure and recognition criteria are available on the Department's website.

As the Deputy will be aware, last February I announced a new additional model of primary school patronage which will be introduced, on a pilot basis in September 2008, in Diswellstown, Dublin 15. This school will operate under the administrative framework of the County Dublin Vocational Education Committee. The Department has commenced a process of consultation with the relevant education partners to explore the detailed implementation measures that will need to be put in place prior to the opening of the new school. A location for the new school is under consideration.

As the Deputy will also be aware, I have given the go-ahead for the delivery of a new 1,000 pupil post-primary school in Phibblestown area of Dublin 15. The VEC applied for and received approval to act as Patron of this school. In the Tyrrelstown area of Dublin 15 the Department has reserved a site for a further post primary school and it is examining site possibilities for a new post primary school in the Castleknock area with the local authority. The educational reservation in the Hansfield SDZ allows for the development of a post primary school for up to 1,000 pupils. The Patronage of these schools will be decided at the appropriate time.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

909 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of a new school at a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14958/07]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the school to which he refers was included in a recent announcement of 56 large scale building projects countrywide which have been approved to progress under the School Building and Modernisation Programme. These will be progressed by way of the appointment of a design team.

Special Educational Needs.

Finian McGrath

Question:

910 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will support Irish Autism Action in its efforts to improve autism services; and the improvement for 2007. [14961/07]

The Deputy will be aware of my commitment to ensuring that all children, including those with autism, receive an education appropriate to their needs. Officials from my Department met recently with Irish Autism Action and a further meeting is planned.

However, my Department's 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 supports a multi-skills approach in regard to the education of children with autism where a range of teaching methods are available e.g. Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH), ABA (Applied Behavioural Analysis), Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS).

In this regard my Department has established:

188 special classes for children with autism, attached to special and mainstream schools;

5 special classes for children with Asperger's Syndrome;

18 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 methodologies on a pilot basis — 2 of these facilities have yet to be established.

Schools Building Projects.

Tom McEllistrim

Question:

911 Mr. McEllistrim asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the urgently needed new building for a school (details supplied) in County Kerry. [14971/07]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the school building project to which he refers was included in my recent announcement of 56 large scale building projects countrywide which I have approved to enter architectural planning. As a first step in the process a Design Team will be appointed as soon as possible. The project will subsequently be considered for further progression in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Question No. 912 answered with QuestionNo. 907.

School Placement.

Joe Higgins

Question:

913 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the number of children who cannot find places to begin their primary schooling in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; the number in relation to same; and the provision she will make to accommodate these children in their local school. [14973/07]

Joe Higgins

Question:

914 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the number of children who cannot find places to begin their primary schooling in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; the number in relation to same; and the provision she will make to accommodate these children in their local school. [14974/07]

Joe Higgins

Question:

915 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the number of children who cannot find places to begin their primary schooling in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; the number in relation to same; and the provision she will make to accommodate these children in their local school. [14975/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 913 to 915, inclusive, together.

Enrolment in individual schools is the responsibility of the managerial authority of those schools and the Department does not seek to intervene in decisions made by schools in such matters. The Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking places. This may result, however, in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.

It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of schools that are not in a position to admit all pupils seeking entry to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act. In this regard a board of management may find it necessary to restrict enrolment to children from a particular area or a particular age group or, occasionally, on the basis of some other criterion. In formulating an admissions policy a school must, however, ensure it is lawful. In particular, it must act in accordance with Section 7 of the Equal Status Act 2000 which, subject to very limited exceptions, prohibits schools from discriminating against people in relation to a number of matters including the admission of a pupil to the school.

Currently, under Section 29 of the Education Act 1998, parents of a student who has been refused enrolment in a school may appeal that decision to the Secretary General of this Department. Such appeals are dealt with within 30 days of their receipt and where an appeal is upheld the Secretary General is empowered to direct the school to enrol the student. Otherwise, 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.

I am conscious that there is considerable pressure for school places in the Dublin 15 area in general. Adding to this pressure is the fact that a number of parents have enrolled their children in more than one school. This has the result of inflating the number of children apparently seeking places. Officials in the School Planning Section of the Department are liaising with school principals in the area with a view to ensuring that all eligible pupils seeking places for 2007 will have access to them.

Schools Building Projects.

Michael Ring

Question:

916 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding funding for a school (details supplied) in County Mayo. [15022/07]

A site has been secured for the school referred to by the Deputy. The long term projected staffing, on which the schools accommodation needs are based, is being considered in the Department at present. Once the long term projection has been determined and agreed with the school authorities, the building project will be considered in the context of the multi annual School Building and Modernisation programme.

Michael Ring

Question:

917 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in relation to a new school (details supplied) in County Mayo; when the construction phase will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15023/07]

The new building for the school in question is one of 54 major primary school building projects which I announced last November to proceed to tender and construction over the next 12 to 15 months. This programme will provide over 10,000 permanent school places to be delivered in new schools and a further 5,900 pupils will see facilities modernised with major extension projects. My Department is in communication with Westport Town Council regarding planning permission for the building project.

Questions Nos. 918 to 920, inclusive, answered with Question No. 795.

State Examinations.

John Deasy

Question:

921 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the structure and amount of fees payable by students who wish to complete the preliminary leaving certificate examinations and the leaving certificate examinations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15076/07]

The 2007 examination fee for Leaving Certificate candidates is €96. The fee for school-based repeat Leaving Certificate candidates is €251. Examination fees generally cover only a fraction of the cost of running the examinations. The costs associated with the certificate examinations have been spiralling in recent years due to the introduction of new methods of assessment in various subjects and to continuing increases in special arrangements for students with special needs.

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

There is an alleviation scheme in place whereby current medical card holders and their dependants are exempt from the payment of fees. This exemption applies to approximately 30% of all examination candidates each year. This alleviation scheme also applies in the case of repeat candidates in respect of both the course fee and the repeat examination fee.

Mock examinations are not part of the State examinations system, and therefore my Department has no function in respect of the fees that are charged for these examinations.

Special Educational Needs.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

922 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science if communication aids and psychological services will be provided for special needs children (details supplied) in a school in County Louth; if secondary school places will be provided for the special needs children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15081/07]

As the Deputy may be aware, a sum of €75m for revenue purposes was provided to the Health Service Executive for Disability Services in the 2007 Budget. This sum incorporates the 2007 element of the Government's multi-annual investment programme for the National Disability Strategy. This Strategy is committed to enhancing the level and range of multi-disciplinary support services to adults and children with an intellectual, physical and sensory disability and those with autism.

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

Schools Building Projects.

Michael Noonan

Question:

923 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will sanction a grant for a physical education hall for a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15082/07]

I can confirm that the Department is in receipt of an application for major capital funding from the management authority of the school to which the Deputy refers. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale works. Progress on the project is being considered in the context of the multi annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Pat Carey

Question:

924 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the concern by the parents of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 9 at the uncertainty about the availability of their permanent building for the new school year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15102/07]

As the Deputy will be aware, the Department intends to permanently accommodate the school to which he refers in a building which it expects to be vacated post an amalgamation of three schools in the immediate area. A technical inspection of the buildings concerned was recently carried out to determine the scope of works required to facilitate the amalgamation and to accommodate the school in question. The Department is anxious to resolve the accommodation issues at the schools in question as soon as possible.

Higher Education Grants.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

925 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason the number of dependants is not taken into account in calculating entitlements for the special rate top up maintenance grant under the higher education grants scheme; and her views on whether this provision impacts adversely on large families, where the household income is relatively low. [15103/07]

The Special Rate of Maintenance Grant is available to students in receipt of the ordinary maintenance grant under each of my Department's four maintenance grant schemes.

In order to qualify for the special rate of maintenance grant a candidate must meet a number of conditions, including the following:

1. An applicant must qualify for the ordinary maintenance grant.

2. Total reckonable income in the relevant tax year must not exceed the lower income limits as set out in the relevant Maintenance Grant Schemes and, where applicable, net of Child Dependent Increase payments

3. As at the prescribed date — i.e. 31st December each year — the source of income must include one of the eligible long-term Social Welfare payments.

The prescribed income limit for the special rate of maintenance grant for the academic year 2006/2007 is €16,748. While the number of dependants is not taken into account for the Special Rates of Maintenance Grant social welfare allowances in respect of dependants, i.e. the Child Dependent Increase, are excluded in the calculation of reckonable income. In addition, the following Social Welfare and Health Service Executive Payments are excluded in the calculation of reckonable income:-

Child Benefit

Family Income Supplement

Disability Allowance (where paid to the candidate)

Blind Pension (where paid to the candidate)

Means Tested One Parent Family Payments

Orphan's Pensions

Back to Education Allowance

Foster Care Allowance

Domiciliary Care Allowance and

Carer's Allowance

Schools Building Projects.

Joan Burton

Question:

926 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the cost of dismantling the two storey prefab at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 and re-erecting it for another school; the estimated cost of dismantling, transporting re-erecting and re-installation of all services and commissioning at the new location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15104/07]

The two storey prefab units in question comprise 12 mainstream classrooms, 2 special education rooms, 2 administration rooms, a large common area room together with other ancillary accommodation. The cost of dismantling of the prefab units and packing for removal was €115,237. The cost of transportation of units to storage was €47,657. All figures are exclusive of VAT. The Department has not yet received figures for the cost of re-erecting the units on an alternative site but has engaged the services of a professional consultant to ensure that the Department obtains value for money for this part of the contract.

Questions Nos. 927 to 931, inclusive, answered with Question No. 888.
Question No. 932 answered with QuestionNo. 876.

School Accommodation.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

933 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science if there is an application in her Department for the extension and refurbishment of a school (details supplied) in County Donegal under the permanent accommodation scheme 2007; the details of the required extension and renovations; and when a grant will be approved in order that it can proceed with the necessary works. [15124/07]

An application was submitted by the school referred to by the Deputy under the Permanent Accommodation Scheme 2007 for a learning Support Room, Parent Room, Pastoral Care Room, Technical Drawing/Graphics Room, Science Laboratory, Staff Room Extension. On Monday, 5 March 2007, I announced details of the schools to receive funding under the Permanent Accommodation Scheme 2007. However, this application was not successful, as the Department's evaluation of the project determined that a major building project would be more appropriate to address the school's accommodation needs into the future.

A major application for an extension at the school has been assessed and schedules of accommodation to meet the current and long term accommodation needs of the school have been drawn up by the Department. The further progression of this project will be considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Special Educational Needs.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

934 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science if there are plans to provide an autistic unit in a school (details supplied) in County Donegal; when is it expected that a decision will be made on the application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15125/07]

As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through the local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports. This includes applications for the establishment of special classes for autism. Officials in my Department have been in contact with the NCSE regarding this issue and I have made arrangements for my officials to make direct contact with the Deputy in this regard.

Schools Refurbishment.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

935 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will review her decision to refuse a grant to a school (details supplied) in County Donegal under the summer works scheme 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15126/07]

The school referred to by the Deputy applied under the Summer Works Scheme 2007 for funding to install a security system to the external areas of the school property. On the 8 January 2007 I announced details of the schools to receive funding to improve facilities under the Summer Works Scheme 2007. However, due to the volume of applications received in the Department it was not possible to allocate funding to all proposed projects and the school referred to by the Deputy was not successful in this instance. It is open to the school authority to apply for funding under the 2008 scheme, details of which will be announced later this year.

School Staffing.

John Deasy

Question:

936 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the funding she is making available to provide additional resources to cater for the large number of children of immigrants in schools in Tramore, County Waterford; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that many of these children are unable to speak English; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that this situation is putting severe pressure on school authorities, teaching staff, pupils and parents in Tramore; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15140/07]

The Deputy will be aware that I recently announced the allocation of 200 extra language support posts to schools, bringing the total number of language support teachers in our schools to 1,450. These new resources are intended for schools with large numbers of pupils who do not have English as a first language. Under the revised arrangements, depending on the number of eligible pupils enrolled, schools now have between one and six language support teachers. In addition, the limit of two years' support for an individual pupil no longer applies.

The additional 200 teachers are part of the Government's commitment in Towards 2016 to provide an extra 550 language support teachers by 2009 and to reform the limit of two teachers per school. It is intended that a further 350 language support teachers will be provided between 2008 and 2009.

In order to ensure that schools can accurately and objectively assess the language requirement of children, my Department will be sending to schools assessment materials which have been developed by Integrate Ireland Language and Training, IILT. The assessment materials will enable schools to ensure that the specific language requirements of children needing support are met in a targeted way. The IILT materials will also enable accurate initial and on-going assessment of the language proficiency of the child and his or her need for continued language support.

Schools Building Projects.

John Deasy

Question:

937 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of the application for funding of the building programme at a school (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15141/07]

Tenders for the project referred to by the Deputy were submitted recently and a tender report is currently being prepared by the schools Design Team. As soon as a tender is approved the project will then proceed to construction without delay.

Student Support Schemes.

John Perry

Question:

938 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if there is any financial assistance for this person (details supplied) to attend this course; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15147/07]

My Department funds four maintenance grant schemes for third level and further education students. These are the Higher Education Grants (HEG) Scheme, the Vocational Education Committees' (VEC) Scholarships Scheme, the Third Level Maintenance Grants Scheme for Trainees (TLT) and the Maintenance Grants Scheme for Students attending Post Leaving Certificate Courses (PLC). The decision on eligibility for third level grants is a matter for the relevant local authority or VEC.

Generally speaking, students who are entering approved courses for the first time are eligible for grants where they satisfy the relevant conditions as to age, residence, means, nationality and previous academic attainment. In order to qualify for financial assistance under the Third Level Student Support Schemes operated by my Department, a person must pursue a full-time undergraduate course, which must generally be of at least two years duration, at an approved third level institution.

Under the Free Fees Initiative, the Department meets the tuition fees of eligible students who are attending full-time undergraduate courses which must be of at least two years duration, at approved colleges.

Undergraduate course by distance learning are not regarded as full-time study, accordingly, students following such courses are ineligible for grant assistance under the Free Fees Initiative or the Third Level Student Support Schemes.

School Staffing.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

939 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science the action she will take to assist the needs of individual students who have special needs, with specific reference to the pressing need to effect changes to their school system and to reduce the average number of children per class; and if she will comment on the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway. [15163/07]

The mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30th September of the previous school year. The actual number of mainstream posts sanctioned is determined by reference to a staffing schedule which is issued to all primary schools each year.

Data submitted to the Department by the Board of Management of the school referred to by the Deputy indicate that the enrolment in the school on 30th September 2005 was 49 pupils. In accordance with the staffing schedule (Circular 0023/2006), which is available on the Department's website at www.education.ie, the mainstream staffing in the school for the 2006/07 school year is a Principal and 2 mainstream class teachers.

According to data submitted to the Department by the Board of Management of the school, the enrolment in the school on 30th September 2006 was 44 pupils. In accordance with the staffing schedule (Circular 0020/2007), which is available on the Department's website at www.education.ie and by hard copy which issued to all primary schools, the mainstream staffing in the school for the 2007/08 school year will be a Principal and 1 mainstream class teacher.

Within the terms of the staffing arrangements for primary schools there is provision for additional posts, referred to as developing school posts, to be assigned to schools on the basis of projected enrolments for the next school year. Under these arrangements, a developing school post may be sanctioned provisionally where the projected enrolment at 30th September of the school year in question equals or exceeds a specified figure. If the specified figure is not achieved on 30th September, sanction for the post is withdrawn.

It is open to the Board of Management to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeal Board which was established to adjudicate on appeals on mainstream staffing allocations in primary schools. Details of the criteria and application dates for appeal are contained in the staffing schedule. They are also available in Circular 0024/2007 (Appeal Board for Mainstream Staffing in Primary Schools) which is available on my Department's website. Hard copies of this circular will issue to primary schools as soon as possible.

It is proposed that the first meeting of the Appeal Board will be held in May, 2007. Further meetings will be held in July and October, 2007. The closing dates for receipt of appeals are 11 May, 22 June and 12 October respectively. Appeals must be submitted to Primary Payments Section, Department of Education and Science, Athlone, on the standard application form, clearly stating the criterion under which the appeal is being made. The standard application form is available from Primary Payments Section or on the Department's website. The Appeal Board operates independently of the Minister and the Department and its decision is final. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to intervene in the operation of the independent Appeal Board.

The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has been operational since 1st January 2005 and is responsible for processing applications for special educational needs supports. I understand that the pupil referred to by the Deputy attending the school in question is in receipt of 5 hours resource teaching support and shared access to a special needs assistant (SNA). In addition to this my Department has recently approved funding to the school for assistive technology for this pupil.

Student Support Schemes.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

940 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science if there is financial assistance available from her Department to a person (details supplied) in County Galway who has been awarded a golfing scholarship to an American university; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15175/07]

The Third Level Student Support Schemes, administered by the Local Authorities and Vocational Education Committees, on behalf of my Department does not extend to undergraduate study outside of the EU or postgraduate study outside of the island of Ireland. Any extension of the current arrangements to provide for students pursuing undergraduate study outside of the EU or postgraduate courses outside of the island of Ireland could only be considered in the light of available resources and other competing demands within the education section.

However, Section 473A, Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997, provides for tax relief, at the standard rate of tax, for tuition fees paid in respect of approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including certain approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in E.U. Member States and in non EU countries. Further details and application forms (I.T. 31 Form) to claim tax relief on tuition fees are available from the Revenue Commissioners Offices.

School Accommodation.

Tom McEllistrim

Question:

941 Mr. McEllistrim asked the Minister for Education and Science when a technical inspection will be carried out at a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15211/07]

An application for capital funding towards the provision of an extension at the school to which the Deputy refers was received and assessed. The long term projected staffing, on which the future accommodation needs of the school will be based, has been determined and notified to the school authority.

In order to determine how best to provide for the school's accommodation needs into the future, it will be necessary to have a technical assessment of existing buildings carried out. Officials from the Department will be in contact with the school authority to arrange a date as soon as this is feasible.

Schools Building Projects.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

942 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has received the stage 1 and 2 submission in relation to the building of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she has sanctioned the advancement of the project to stage 3. [15215/07]

The building project for the School referred to by the Deputy is at early stage of architectural planning. My Department wrote to the Design Team on the project on the 20th September 2006 requesting a stage 1/2 submission (Outline sketch scheme with costings) and this submission is expected in my Department by the end of April this year. When this stage 1/2 submission is received in my Department, my Officials will arrange a meeting with the School Authorities and their Design Team in order to evaluate the documentation. It is envisaged that unless there are very exceptional circumstances involved, the meeting will be sufficient to authorise the project to progress to the next stages of architectural planning.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

943 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has received the stage 1 and 2 submission in relation to the building of the required extension to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she has sanctioned the advancement of the project to stage 3. [15220/07]

A Design Team was appointed for the school project referred to by the Deputy on the 28th November last and the School Authorities were instructed to inform their Design Team to prepare a stage 1/2 submission (Outline sketch scheme with costings). The stage 1/2 documentation is now awaited and when this is received my Officials will arrange a meeting with the School Authorities and their Design Team in order to evaluate the documentation. It is envisaged that unless there are very exceptional circumstances involved, the meeting will be sufficient to authorise the project to progress to the next stages of architectural planning. Progression of all projects to tender and construction will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

944 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has received the stage 3 submission in relation to the building of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she has sanctioned the further advancement of the project. [15221/07]

The building project for the School referred to by the Deputy was one of the sixty two projects that I announced in January of 2006 to start the architectural planning process and to proceed to tender and construction as per my announcement of November 2006. The brief for the project consists of a 16 classroom Generic Repeat Design building with an additional bolt-on Special Education Tuition room. A Design Team was appointed on the project in July of last year and following a briefing seminar in my Department's Offices in Tullamore, the Design Team were instructed to proceed to stage 3 (detailed design with costings) of my Department's Design Team Procedures.

The stage 3 documentation is now awaited and when this is received in my Department, my Officials will, if necessary, arrange a meeting with the School Authorities and their Design Team in order to evaluate the documentation. Once the stage 3 is approved, the new School building project will proceed, in accordance with the School Building and Modernisation Programme, to advanced design and subsequently to tender and construction.

Psychological Service.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

945 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has finalised the allocation of the additional 31 educational psychologists to different counties; and if she will provide details of same. [15228/07]

As I have informed the Deputy previously the Public Appointments Commission is charged with recruiting the extra psychologists referred to and officials of my Department are in the process of prioritising the regions and locations where these new recruits will be based. Both elements are currently on-going in this regard.

Special Educational Needs.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

946 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has concluded her examination of the NCSE implementation report in relation to the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004. [15230/07]

As the Deputy is aware, the National Council for Special Education submitted its implementation report which sets out its views and recommendations on a plan for the implementation of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act, 2004. My Department has not yet concluded its consideration of this detailed report.

Schools Building Projects.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

947 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science when a design team will be appointed for a school (details supplied) in County Kildare. [15231/07]

Representatives of the Board of Management of the school to which the Deputy refers attended an Information Seminar in Tullamore on 13 December hosted by the School Building Section. The steps necessary to initiate the design phase of the eighty building projects announced by me in November were discussed at that meeting and all schools were advised that architectural design teams would be appointed to their projects over the coming months. My School Building Section will begin advertising for these design teams shortly through the public procurement portal, www.etenders.gov.ie Progression of all projects to tender and construction will be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme 2007-2013. Over €4.8 billion will be provided for school building infrastructure under the new NDP 2007-2013.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

948 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if there is an opening date set for the extension to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare. [15234/07]

I wish to inform the Deputy that this project is substantially complete with the exception of some items such as landscaping and the installation of equipment in one room. It is expected that some of the new rooms will be ready for use in the coming days with the remainder in use within 2 weeks.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

949 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science further to the Adjournment debate of 4 April 2007, in relation to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare, if she is saying that it is not possible to appoint a design team on a full-time basis to clear the planning stage of the new school and that it is not possible to find a contractor to build a new school in less than 18 months or if it is too costly to do it this way and that is the reason she has broken her repeated pledges to fast track the provision of the new school. [15237/07]

In the adjournment debate referred to by the Deputy I clearly set out the approach taken on this project by my Department and the School Authority. It is clear that progress is being made in relation to appointing a design team and as the Deputy is no doubt aware, the matter of sourcing a contractor can only occur when the new school building has been fully designed by the design team and planning permission has been received from the Local Authority. Once again, I direct the Deputy's attention to the fact that my School Building Section has been in close contact with the School Authority throughout this process and understand that they are satisfied with the manner in which their project is being progressed.

With regard to the site issue the Office of Public Works, which acts on behalf of my Department generally on the acquisitions of sites for schools, has identified a suitable site for the proposed new school in Kill. Agreement on the site acquisition has been reached subject to contract. While draft contracts have been exchanged, I am advised that the conveyancing process continues to be delayed pending the outcome of a planning application by the vendor. In the meantime however, and subject to securing the site and as a follow on from my announcement in November last, the architectural planning process for the school has commenced.

The first key step in this process is to appoint an architectural design team who will design and plan the works. To that end, an advertisement seeking design team consultants was placed on the public procurement portal, www.etenders. gov.ie, on Monday 26th March last, with the closing date for the receipt of Expressions of Interest being Friday 27th April. After these pre-qualification applications have been assessed by my School Building Section, further instructions will issue to all of the short-listed candidates seeking further submissions so that phase two of the appointment process (the Award Stage) can commence. I have been advised that the design team should be formally appointed in July.

Educational Disadvantage.

John Perry

Question:

950 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science the directive she has issued in relation to sanctioning funding under the dormant fund scheme for a school (details supplied) in County Sligo; if she will give a firm commitment that funding will be allocated; when it will be granted and the amount sanctioned as this school serves the thriving community of this region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15248/07]

The application referred to by the Deputy is one of a large number of applications for the scheme received by the Midland Regional Office of my Department. These applications are currently being assessed on a phased basis by my officials. In keeping with the requirements of the Dormant Accounts Fund legislation, the assessed applications will be considered by the Inter-Departmental Committee on Educational Disadvantage, which will make recommendations to the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. Minister Ó Cuív will then submit the list of recommendations to the Government for approval. Funding for approved projects will be channelled through my Department's Vote.

I cannot give an exact date of when the list of successful applicants under the first phase will be announced; however, I assure the deputy that my officials are processing the applications as quickly as possible.

School Accommodation.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

951 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science the action she will take to tackle the ongoing phenomenon of overcrowding in classrooms nationwide; and her plans to tackle same in a school (details supplied) in County Galway. [15249/07]

An application for capital funding towards the provision of an extension has been received from the school referred to by the Deputy. The assessment of the long term projected staffing, on which the schools accommodation needs are based is underway at present in the Department. Once the long term projection has been determined and agreed with the school authorities the building project will be considered in the context of the multi-annual Schools Building and Modernisation programme.

Third Level Fees.

Billy Timmins

Question:

952 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to pupils attending private colleges; if funding is available; and if not, her plans to provide funding to pupils who have to pay all the fees and need to attend; if not, if funding will be allocated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15269/07]

Under my Department's Free Fees Initiative the Exchequer meets the tuition fees of eligible students who are attending approved third-level courses in the State. There are no plans to extend this initiative to cover third level private colleges. Section 473A of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997, provides for tax relief on tuition fees, at the standard rate in respect of approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including certain approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in E.U. and non-E.U. Member States. Further details and application forms (I.T. 31 Form) to claim tax relief on tuition fees are available from the Revenue Commissioners.

Question No. 953 answered with QuestionNo. 887.

Schools Building Projects.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

954 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made towards opening a new secondary school in the Tyrrelstown area; if a site has been located; the stage negotiations for the purchase of such a site are at; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15274/07]

Trevor Sargent

Question:

955 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made towards opening a new secondary school in the Castleknock/Carpenterstown area; if a site has been located; the stage negotiations for the purchase of such a site are at; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15275/07]

Trevor Sargent

Question:

956 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Education and Science the stage the proposed new secondary school for Hansfield is at; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15276/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 954, 955 and 956 together.

Sites have been reserved for post primary schools in both Tyrrelstown and Hansfield and consideration is being given to the development of a further post primary school in Castleknock. The land where the reserved site in Tyrrelstown is located is the subject of a Local Area Plan. This plan will identify the exact location of the site. When this is known, the Department will be in a position to move to purchase.

The reserved site in Hansfield is governed by regulations attaching to the Hansfield SDZ. The Department has appointed a project manager to oversee the development of a Master Plan for the site in consultation with the local authority. When the Master Plan has been finalised to the satisfaction of all the parties concerned, the site acquisition can be progressed. The schools in Hansfield will be delivered commensurate with the phasing arrangements in the SDZ in the same manner as those for the Adamstown SDZ.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

957 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science her most up to date proposals to make provision for primary, second and third level educational requirements along the M4/N4 corridor having particular regard to population requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15345/07]

As the Deputy will be aware, the local area development plan for the N4/M4 corridor is the framework document for the Department's long-term educational strategy at both primary and post-primary level for the area concerned. Progress on the individual recommendations in the Plan are being considered in the context of the multiannual School Building and Modernisation Programme subject to the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects.

With regard to third level educational provision, in the State as a whole, there are over twenty publicly-funded higher education institutions — seven of which are universities and fourteen institutes of technology. In its review of Irish Higher Education published in 2004, the OECD observed that Irish Third Level Institutions were relatively small by international standards and that this posed particular challenges in terms of achieving critical mass for academic provision, infrastructure, research and support mechanisms.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

958 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans for the provision of primary, second and third level schools and educational facilities along the M7/M9 corridor having particular regard to population driven requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15346/07]

I am aware that areas located along the M7/M9 corridor continue to experience population growth, a position that almost inevitably places some strain on existing educational provision. However, a range of significant measures has been undertaken by the Department to address the current and future need for pupil places in these areas.

At primary level, an entire new school has been provided at Killashee, Naas. In addition, a brand new 16 classroom school has been provided for Naas together with the provision of temporary accommodation at Scoil Corbain, St. Conleth's & St. Mary's NS, St. Conleth's Naofa and Mercy Convent in Naas. A major building project is at Stage 3, of architectural planning, to provide Caragh NS, Naas, with an additional 12-classrooms and ancillary accommodation. Gaelscoil Nás na Riogh has recently been approved to commence architectural planning for the provision of a new 16-classroom school. On top of this, approval has been given for the provision of a new 32-classroom school for Kill.

Additionally, there are proposals to improve accommodation at St. David's National School and Two Mile House National School. The accommodation needs of the national schools at Ballycane, Convent of Mercy and Scoil Corbán in Naas and Scoil Pádraig in Johnstown are also currently being assessed. At Sallins National School, a seven classroom extension is completed and this extension has increased capacity from 9 classrooms to 16 classrooms. An extension to bring the school up to 24 classrooms has commenced architectural planning.

A new primary school will commence operation in Newbridge in September 2007 under Catholic Patronage. The VEC has agreed to use a portion of its existing school site for a temporary location for the school and planning permission is being sought for this accommodation solution. The Department is pursuing a reserved site for the permanent location for the school. A major building project is at Stage 4/5 of architectural planning for the provision of 16-classroom school for Newbridge Educate together. Also, Gaelscoil Cill Dara is also at Stage 4/5 of architectural planning for the provision of 4 additional classrooms. Additional permanent classroom accommodation is being provided at Ballymany Junior and Senior Schools under the Devolved 2007 Permanent Accommodation Scheme.

At post primary level, the management authority of St. Patrick's Post Primary School, Co. Kildare V.E.C., is currently progressing plans to re-locate the school and extend capacity to 1000 pupil places. Additionally, an extension project is completed at St. Mary's College, Naas which increases capacity at the school to 900 pupils. A similar extension is recently completed at Meanscoil Iognaid Rís, Naas and a further extension at the school is currently in architectural planning. A new post-primary school to accommodate the amalgamation of the existing post-primary Schools in Kildare town is being delivered under the Public Private Partnership Scheme.

All of these initiatives represent huge capital investment and demonstrate my commitment to meeting the needs of the area concerned. The School Planning Section of the Department will keep the position under review to ensure that any additional emerging needs are met as expeditiously as possible.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

959 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position and proposals in regard to the provision of the proposed new school on the new site at Kill, County Kildare; when works will commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15347/07]

Last November, I announced details of 72 primary schools and 8 post primary schools that were given the go ahead to proceed with major works such as new school building projects, extensions or refurbishments. The proposed new primary school in Kill was one of those listed.

In the first instance however a school site is required. In this regard the Office of Public Works, which acts on behalf of my Department generally on the acquisitions of sites for schools, has identified a suitable site for the proposed new school in Kill. Agreement on the site acquisition has been reached subject to contract. While draft contracts have been exchanged, I am advised that the conveyancing process continues to be delayed pending the outcome of a planning application by the vendor. In the meantime however, and subject to securing the site and as a follow on from my announcement in November last, the architectural planning process for the school has commenced.

The first key step in this process is to appoint an architectural design team who will design and plan the works. To that end, an advertisement seeking design team consultants was placed on the public procurement portal, www.etenders.gov.ie, on Monday 26th March last, with the closing date for the receipt of Expressions of Interest being Friday 27th April. After these pre-qualification applications have been assessed by my School Building Section, further instructions will issue to all of the short-listed candidates seeking further submissions so that phase two of the appointment process (the Award Stage) can commence. I have been advised that the design team should be formally appointed in July.

Officials from my School Planning and Building Section have been in regular contact with representatives of the School Authority since the November announcement and met with them again recently to discuss their interim accommodation needs. This consultative approach is working well and my Department is satisfied that the co-operative approach of the School Authority will ensure that all eligible pupils will have access to a place for next September.

Question No. 960 answered with QuestionNo. 873.

School Accommodation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

961 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the provision of permanent classroom accommodation at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; if her Department has received stage three documentation from the school authorities; her plans to progress this matter in the next six months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15349/07]

The building project for the School referred to by the Deputy was one of the sixty two projects that I announced to start the architectural planning process in January of 2006 and to proceed to tender and construction as per my announcement of November 2006. The brief for the project consists of a 16 classroom Generic Repeat Design with an additional bolt-on Special Education Tuition room. A Design Team was appointed on the project in July of this year and following a briefing seminar in my Department's Offices in Tullamore, the Design Team were instructed to proceed to stage 3 (detailed design with costings) of my Department's Design Team Procedures.

The stage 3 documentation is now awaited and when this is received 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, to advanced design and subsequently tender and construction.

Departmental Reports.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

962 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) County Kildare; the expected time frame involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15350/07]

The NCSE has been in contact with my Department on this matter. I understand that the Board of Management of the school in question has scheduled a meeting for the 23rd of April and that one of the items on the agenda is in relation to the special class.

Youth Services.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

963 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application for funding for a centre (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15356/07]

The Youth Affairs Section of my Department provides grant-in-aid assistance to support the operation of 32 Youth Information Centres throughout the country whose purpose is to provide young people with information on a wide range of issues in a suitably conducive atmosphere.

An application for funding was received for a Youth Information Centre in County Louth but it has not been possible to provide funding for this centre because of finite financial resources and other commitments to the youth work sector. A consultant's review has recently been completed for my Department which will help inform the future direction of youth information provision. Future funding applications for proposed new centres will be examined having regard to the outcomes of this review process. I would like to assure the Deputy of my commitment to continued support of the youth work sector in Ireland and its work.

School Enrolments.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

964 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science the criteria that apply for new entrants to a school (details supplied) in County Louth; the number of children refused places for the new school year; if extra accommodation will be provided as a matter of urgency for them; if not, the reason for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15357/07]

It is open to any school authority to apply to the Department for additional accommodation to meet its developing needs. I can confirm to the Deputy that no such application has been received from the school to which he refers.

Otherwise, enrolment in individual schools is the responsibility of the managerial authority of those schools and the Department does not seek to intervene in decisions made by schools in such matters. The Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking places. This may result, however, in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.

It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of schools that are not in a position to admit all pupils seeking entry to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act. In this regard a board of management may find it necessary to restrict enrolment to children from a particular area or a particular age group or, occasionally, on the basis of some other criterion. In formulating an admissions policy a school must, however, ensure it is lawful. In particular, it must act in accordance with Section 7 of the Equal Status Act 2000 which, subject to very limited exceptions, prohibits schools from discriminating against people in relation to a number of matters including the admission of a pupil to the school.

Currently, under Section 29 of the Education Act 1998, parents of a student who has been refused enrolment in a school may appeal that decision to the Secretary General of this Department. Such appeals are dealt with within 30 days of their receipt and where an appeal is upheld the Secretary General is empowered to direct the school to enrol the student. Otherwise, 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.

Suíomhanna Scoile.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

965 D’fhiafraigh Mr. O’Shea den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta cathain a thabharfar cuairt ar an suíomh i dtaca leis an iarratas ar Mhórthionscnamh Tógála Ghaelscoil Philib Barún (sonraí tugtha); agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [15376/07]

Tá iarratas ar scoil nua faoi bhráid na Roinne ag an scoil dá dtagrann an Teachta. Fuarthas suíomh oiriúnach agus rachfar chun cinn leis an tionscadal tógála (cuairt laithreán leh-áireamh) atá riachtanach chun an scoil nua a chur ar fáil i gcomhthéacs an Chlár Tógála agus Nuachóirithe Scoileanna.

Higher Education Grants.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

966 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason farm assist is not included in the list of social welfare payments which are excluded in calculation of reckonable income for the purpose of special rate top up maintenance grant under the higher education grants scheme; and her views on whether this approach militates against access to third level education by farm families on low income. [15377/07]

The assessment of means under my Department's Third Level Student Maintenance Grant Schemes is based on gross income from all sources, with specified social welfare and health board payments being excluded from the calculation.

The following Social Welfare and Health Board Payments are excluded in the calculation of reckonable income:

Child Benefit, — Family Income Supplement, — Disability Allowance (where paid to the candidate), — Blind Pension (where paid to the candidate),

Means Tested One Parent Family Payments,

Orphan's Pensions,

Back to Education Allowance, — Foster Care Allowance,

Domiciliary Care Allowance and

Carer's Allowance;

Farm Assist is not excluded in the calculation of reckonable income. I have no plans at present to depart from the above practice in respect of the determination of income. However, Farm Assist is one of a list of social welfare payments identified for the purpose of qualifying for the special rate of maintenance grant.

To qualify for the special rate of maintenance grant 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 Dependent 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.

Qualification for the special rates of maintenance grant entitles a student to a further payment under the grant schemes in addition to the standard rate of grant. In the current academic year an addition grant of €2,860 is available to a student under the special rates of maintenance grant who qualifies for the non-adjacent rate of grant. Under the 2006 Schemes such students could benefit from a total of €5,970 in the 2006/07 academic year.

Industrial Relations.

Billy Timmins

Question:

967 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to a pay claim (details supplied). [15380/07]

The Teachers Union of Ireland sought to have a pay claim on behalf of the Directors of the Outdoor Education Centres raised at the Teachers Conciliation Council. The independent chairperson to the Council determined that it was not appropriate for issues concerning the Directors of these Centres to be considered in that forum.

Steps are currently being taken to amend the Industrial Relations Act, 1990, which would allow VEC staff, including the Directors of these Centres, access to the Labour Relations Commission and the Labour Court. The Department had agreed to allow the matter to be referred to the Labour Relations Commission on an ad-hoc basis, but no agreement was reached during these discussions.

Ministerial Staff.

Phil Hogan

Question:

968 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Defence the names, titles, duties and dates of appointment of each of the special advisers, political advisers, personal assistants and press officers appointed by him; the salary level of each appointee including payments in lieu of pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14202/07]

The details regarding appointments made are as follows.

Name

Derek Mooney

Title

Special Adviser / Political Adviser

Duties

To provide relevant advice to the Minister as necessary

Date of Appointment

19 October 2004

Salary Scale

€80,408-€99,457

Pension

€2,183.02

Name

Fergal O’Brien

Title

Personal Assistant

Duties

To provide administrative assistance to the Minister

Date of Appointment

30 September 2004

Salary Scale

€43,445-€55,147

Pension

€872.84

Name

Olive McNamara

Title

Personal Secretary

Duties

To provide secretarial services to the Minister

Date of Appointment

30 September 2004

Salary Scale

€21,635-€41,736

Pension

€631.72

Name

Suzanne Coogan

Title

Press Adviser

Duties

To provide press liaison services to the Minister

Date of Appointment

1 November 2004

Salary Scale

€80,408-€99,457

Pension

€2,140.96

Waste Disposal.

Denis Naughten

Question:

969 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 507 of 5 April 2007, if any waste is disposed of by burning; if this method of disposal forms part of the waste management strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14735/07]

Further to Parliamentary Question No 507 of 5 April 2007 and the detailed response given to it, I would like to state that the burning of waste material is not part of the Defence Forces waste management strategy.

Defence Forces Training.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

970 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence if personnel of the Defence Forces who possess third level qualifications such as diplomas and degrees are debarred from applying for the ninth potential officers course if they do not possess the leaving certificate examination; and if so, if he will clarify the reasoning behind this decision on the grounds that third level qualifications such as degrees and diplomas are normally considered higher than the leaving certificate examination. [15135/07]

The minimum education qualification for entry to the recently announced potential officers course is grade D in any five (5) higher or ordinary level papers in a single sitting of the Leaving Certificate. This is to ensure that each candidate has attained a good general education. Candidates with third level qualifications may be considered for this competition, eg. a HETAC qualification at level 7 or higher. The onus will be on the applicant to show that the qualification comes from a reputable source, is consistent with the requirement of having a good general education and is appropriate to the job description of an officer.

Air Corps Museum.

Richard Bruton

Question:

971 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Defence if he has given consideration to potentially moving the existing aerodrome museum in Baldonnell to Collins Barracks, as a means of ensuring that a greater number of people can see the exhibition; his plans to redevelop the existing museum at Baldonnell for outreach education purposes within the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15214/07]

There are no plans to relocate the Air Corps Museum to the National Museum of Ireland facility at the former Collins Barracks on Benburb Street, Dublin 7, and no discussions have taken place in this regard.

The Air Corps retains a number of fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft for historical purposes in the Air Corps Museum at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnell. The Air Corps museum receives visiting groups on tours subject to written application and approval by my Department. The museum is located in a section of a hangar in Casement, and therefore for security reasons the museum cannot be open to the public.

The Air Corps currently has two aircraft on loan to the National Museum of Ireland in Collins Barracks, which are presently on display as part of a major military exhibition being run by the National Museum.

Departmental Properties.

Dan Boyle

Question:

972 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Defence his plans for lands at Templebreedy, Crosshaven, County Cork. [15287/07]

The Department of Defence holds property at Fort Templebreedy, Crosshaven, Co. Cork comprising 37 acres approximately. Fort Templebreedy is no longer used for military purposes, save as a location for communications masts. Arising from concerns that the continued use of the former military Pitch and Putt Club facilities located on the property, which were held under Licence from the Department, would present serious health and safety hazards for members and visitors, it was decided to suspend further use of the facilities pending a complete safety assessment of the site and this decision was conveyed to the Club in March 2005. The assessment was completed and this confirmed the presence of serious safety hazards. As a result the facilities have not been used in the interim. The matter, however, is currently under review.

Dan Boyle

Question:

973 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Defence the reason for the delay in transferring lands held by his Department at Ballincollig, County Cork to local sporting organisations. [15288/07]

As the Deputy is aware it was agreed at the time of the closure and sale of Murphy Barracks, Ballincollig that an area comprising approximately 27 acres of the property would be transferred by the Department of Defence to Cork County Council for community use. The Council will provide playing pitches for the local GAA and Soccer Clubs from within part of the area in question. The Department instructed the Chief State Solicitor's Office in this regard in June, 2004 and the legal formalities in regard to the transfer are being progressed in consultation with that Office who are in communication with the Solicitor for Cork County Council in the matter. Cork County Council have been informed from the outset that the Department is most anxious to complete the transfer of these lands without delay.

Water Pollution.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

974 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the measures of an interdepartmental nature, and the decisions involving inter-ministerial agreement that have been or will be taken in order to assure the future of Lough Corrib, threatened as it is by activities that fall for control by the Departments responsible for agriculture and food, environment and local government, forestry and fisheries, and tourism. [14175/07]

Statutory responsibility for protection and improvement of water quality is assigned primarily to local authorities acting under the general supervision of the EPA. Lough Corrib lies within the Western River Basin District as designated under the EU Water Framework Directive and Galway County Council is the coordinating local authority for this District.

A framework for coordination of water management actions by all relevant public authorities within each River Basin District has been established for the implementation of the Water Framework Directive. All relevant public authorities, including Government Departments, are participating in these arrangements which will lead to the adoption by 2009 of river basin management plans for each district, incorporating environmental objectives and a programme of measures to achieve those objectives. Work is currently underway on the preparation of an Overview Report for each District to be published in June 2007. The reports will outline the significant water management issues that have been identified for each District and the possible measures to be taken.

Lough Corrib is also a proposed candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC) and, as such, all landowners and relevant public authorities have responsibility in relation to its management and conservation. In particular, my Department has been working with the Forestry Service of the Department of Agriculture and Food on measures to protect the fresh water pearl mussel, which species has been identified in the rivers feeding into Lough Corrib.

These is continuing liaison and co-ordination between my Department and other relevant Departments as appropriate in relation to the co-ordination of policies and actions for water management in all areas. For example, the protection and improvement of water quality in the Lough Corrib basin is being significantly strengthened by the implementation of the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations which came into effect in 2006 and give statutory support to the national Nitrates Action Programme. These Regulations were developed in close consultation with the Department of Agriculture and Food, and Teagasc, and are supported by an enhanced package of financial supports for farmers and cross-compliance systems operated by that Department.

Election Management System.

Jack Wall

Question:

975 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if consideration will be given to correspondence (details supplied) from a students union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14275/07]

There is no restriction in law in relation to the day of the week which may be specified as polling day for a general election. All relevant factors will be taken into account in the determination of the polling day for the next general election. The Electoral Act 1997 provides that students pursuing a course of study on a full-time basis at an educational institution in the State, who are registered at, but living away from, home and cannot attend their polling station, may apply for entry in the postal voters list.

National Monuments.

Seán Ryan

Question:

976 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status on the Drumanagh archaeological site in Loughshinney, County Dublin; if he will initiate the process for the acquisition or purchase of this ancient site by the Government; if he will arrange to have an archaeological dig to establish and evaluate the full potential of the site; and if in the interim he will arrange for the necessary protection to be provided to safeguard the site from illegal and vandalising behaviour. [15138/07]

The promontory fort at Drumanagh, Loughshinney, County Dublin is a national monument in private ownership which is protected by Preservation Order No. 13 of 1977. The owners of such monuments have a responsibility to ensure they are secured and protected.

My Department has contacted the owner's representatives to request that improved protective measures be undertaken and the Gardaí have also been contacted about threats to the national monument. My Department continues to monitor the monument through regular site visits and is pursuing the question of improved protection with the relevant parties.

In view of the huge archaeological importance of this site the Department is reviewing all options in relation to the protection of the national monument, including acquisition or purchase. My Department has no proposals at present to excavate this site.

Housing Grants.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

977 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding an application for funding in respect of an organisation (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15355/07]

My Department recently approved the invitation of tenders for this project, which will be carried out under the capital funding scheme for voluntary and co-operative housing projects. Drogheda Borough Council, which is responsible for the detailed administration of the scheme in their area, have been notified accordingly.

Fire Service.

Paul McGrath

Question:

978 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when an interim injury allowance will be payable to a person (details supplied), as recommended by the Ombudsman, subject to review pending settlement of a claim for injury as a result of an occupational injury visited upon the person whilst on duty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15416/07]

John Deasy

Question:

1019 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will examine the case of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford, an employee of Waterford city fire brigade who was injured while travelling to a fire and who lost a lower limb as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14736/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 978 and 1019 together.

An application for sanction to pay an injury grant to the person concerned was received by my Department in February 2007. This has been examined, in consultation, as necessary, with the local authority and the Department of Social and Family Affairs, and I expect that a decision will be made within the next two weeks.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Enda Kenny

Question:

979 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his decision arising from a meeting in Dáil Éireann on 24 January 2007 with members of a council (details supplied) in County Mayo in regard to the Crossboyne sewerage scheme; if his attention has been drawn to the urgency of this matter in view of his decision in informing the people that they would have the relevant information by the end of February 2007, which decision has not been communicated to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15536/07]

Michael Ring

Question:

1032 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when an application for funding (details supplied) was first lodged with his Department; the progress it has made to date; and the estimated cost of the works. [15020/07]

Michael Ring

Question:

1033 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding a sewerage scheme (details supplied) in County Mayo; if he met with the community council of that area; what happened at that meeting; and when funding will be approved for that scheme. [15021/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 979, 1032 and 1033 together.

The Mayo Towns and Villages Sewerage Scheme, which includes Ballyheane, Charlestown, Cross, Crossboyne and the Neale, is approved for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-07 at an estimated cost of €6.07m.

Further consideration will be given to the Council's Preliminary Report for Ballyheane, Cross, Crossboyne and Neale, (which includes proposals to pump wastewater from Crossboyne to the Claremorris Wastewater Treatment Plant), on receipt of additional information requested from the Council last month. The Preliminary Report was under examination by my Department when I met the deputation from Crossboyne in January last. The additional information requested from the Council in the meantime is required to demonstrate that all elements of the proposal are fully justified on economic and environmental criteria; this was a condition of my Department's 2004 approval of the Council's brief for the appointment of consultants to prepare the Preliminary Report.

The Preliminary Report for the Charlestown element of the scheme was received earlier this month and is being dealt with as quickly as possible.

Question No. 980 withdrawn.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

981 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of the local community at Bawnogues, Straffan, County Kildare whose homes rely on septic tanks and who are anxious to be included in the proposed Straffan sewerage scheme; if he has had discussions with the relevant section of Kildare County Council with a view to ensuring the availability of facilities through the proposed scheme, thereby eliminating potential pollution threats in an area within the River Liffey catchment area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15781/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1038 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the various sewerage treatment or pipeline facilities throughout County Kildare in respect of which his Department directly or through Kildare County Council has received complaints of methane gas emissions; his proposals to address this issue with particular reference to the ongoing complaints in this regard at Main Street, Leixlip; when he expects these issues to be resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15061/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1054 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the need to meet the requirements of the existing residents at Bawnogues, Straffan, County Kildare in the context of proposals for the provision of a sewerage scheme which as proposed is only expected to meet the needs of proposed development; if his Department has had discussions with Kildare County Council in this matter with particular reference to the need to ensure the extension of the facilities to the existing community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15351/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 981, 1038 and 1054 together.

The Lower Liffey Valley Sewerage Scheme has been approved for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-07 at an estimated cost of €31 million. The scheme provides for the expansion of the Leixlip wastewater treatment plant under one contract and for the upgrading and improvement of the wastewater collection systems in Celbridge, Kilcock, Leixlip, Maynooth and Straffan under other contracts.

The works provided for in relation to Straffan were completed last year and my Department has no proposals from Kildare County Council for any further works in the Straffan area. In January of this year I approved Kildare County Council's contract documents for the network upgrading in the other locations and have also authorised the Council to prepare contract documents for the expansion of the Leixlip wastewater treatment plant. The works to the collection system in Leixlip include proposals to eliminate the odour problem in Main Street. My Department has received no complaints or submissions, either directly or through Kildare County Council, in relation to wastewater related odours at any other location in the county.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Pat Breen

Question:

982 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on reducing the means eligibility for applicants who wish to apply for the affordable housing scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14110/07]

Eligibility for the affordable housing schemes is determined on the basis that applicants are in need of housing and cannot afford to purchase a house on the open market. In the case of the shared ownership and 1999 affordable housing schemes, applicants must satisfy an income test. Under this income test single applicants are eligible for these schemes where their income in the previous tax year was €40,000 or under. In the case of a two income household, the income limit is based on the formula that 2½ times the main income plus once the secondary income does not exceed €100,000.

In approving an affordable home purchase, local authorities must consider the ability of applicants to make the necessary mortgage payments and satisfy themselves that the borrower's income is sufficient to meet the financial commitments involved under the scheme. As such, I do not believe it is necessary to introduce means testing for the affordable schemes apart from the maximum household income criteria set for shared ownership and 1999 affordable housing schemes which ensures that these schemes remain targeted at a particular income category.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

983 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when his Department will give approval for the Caherdaniel sewerage scheme in County Kerry in order that contract documents can be prepared; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14111/07]

Caherdaniel is approved for funding under Phase 1 of the Kerry Villages Waste Water Project in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-07, at an estimated cost of €8.5m. Kerry County Council's Preliminary Report for the scheme is being examined in my Department and is being dealt with as quickly as possible.

Pat Breen

Question:

984 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the stage of development of the Ennis water treatment project; if the tenders have been received; when the contract will be awarded; when he expects the project to go to construction phase; the length of time he anticipates this construction phase will last; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Pat Breen

Question:

1012 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress being made in conjunction with Clare County Council in constructing and commissioning a water treatment plant for Ennis, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14616/07]

Pat Breen

Question:

1050 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide special funding to Ennis Town Council in order to subsidise bottled water following the recent outbreak of cryptosporidium parasite in Galway and the ongoing problem of the Ennis water supply and the fact that the boil notice has not been lifted for the elderly and the young until a permanent water treatment system is put into place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15251/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 984, 1012 and 1050 together.

The Ennis Town Water Supply Treatment Scheme, which will provide a new water treatment plant for Ennis, is approved for construction in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-07. Clare County Council's tender report and recommendation for the scheme, which envisages a 78 weeks construction period, were received in the Department earlier this month and are being examined as quickly as possible. Following approval, the Council will be in a position to place the contract for the construction of the new plant.

My Department has been providing special assistance to Clare County Council under the Local Government Fund towards the operational cost of a temporary treatment plant that will provide potable water until the new permanent infrastructure becomes operational. As a result of the installation of the temporary plant, the Boil Water Notice was lifted for the generality of Ennis consumers with immediate effect on 15 December last. However, I understand that, as a precautionary measure, it continues to apply for the present to persons who are immuno-compromised, infants and pre-school children. It is a matter for Clare County Council, as the sanitary authority, to determine, in light of the likely duration of the limited precautionary boil water regime, whether further exceptional arrangements in relation to water supply are appropriate for those cases.

Pat Breen

Question:

985 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding his Department’s consideration of Clare County Council’s water services pricing policy report for the Doolin, Ballyvaughan and Corofin sewerage schemes; when he expects approval to be given; the problems associated with the Doolin sewerage scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14190/07]

The Doolin, Ballyvaughan and Corofin Sewerage scheme is approved for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-07.

I expect that my Department's examination of Clare County Council's Water Services Pricing Policy and Economic Review Reports for the scheme will be completed shortly. The Council has also applied to the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources for Foreshore Licences for the Doolin and Ballyvaughan elements of the scheme. The application is being examined in consultation with my Department.

Ministerial Staff.

Phil Hogan

Question:

986 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the names, titles, duties and dates of appointment of each of the special advisers, political advisers, personal assistants and press officers appointed by him; the salary level of each appointee including payments in lieu of pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14205/07]

The information requested is set out in the table.

Name

Title

Salary Level

Date of Appointment

Duties

David Grant*

Special Adviser

Principal Officer

January 2005

As set out in Section 11 of the Public Service Management Act 1997.

Stephen Kearon**

Special Adviser

Principal Officer

March 2006

As above.

Geraldine Cole

Personal Assistant

Higher Executive Officer

December 2004

Provision of administrative and secretarial support.

Sean Fitzpatrick

Press Officer

Principal Officer

November 2004

Responsible for all aspects of the Department’s media related activities.

*Work sharing (4 days per week)

**Work sharing (1 day per week)

A total of €15,524.64 has been paid in lieu of pension to two of the above named officers who opted for this arrangement.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

987 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the alleged irregularities in the Part 8 process for social and affordable housing on a former landfill site (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14223/07]

It is understood from Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council that the Part 8 process for a twenty eight social and affordable housing development at the site in question was completed in November 2006. My Department is not aware of any irregularities in relation to the Part 8 planning process in this instance.

Turbary Rights.

Denis Naughten

Question:

988 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when contracts will be executed on the purchase of bog (details supplied) in view of the fact that the contracts are with his Department since August 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14248/07]

Contracts in this case were received by my Department only on 4 April last. These contracts are now with the Chief State Solicitor's Office which is examining them to ensure that they are in order. It is hoped to proceed with the transaction as soon as possible after this.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

989 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the level of cryptosporidiosis of a human form arising, he will raise the level of grants for group sewerage schemes to encourage areas to move from septic tanks to group sewerage schemes to minimise the opportunities for leakage and contamination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14249/07]

My Department is funding a pilot programme, proposed by the National Rural Water Monitoring Committee, to test a range of new, small-scale wastewater collection and treatment systems under Irish conditions. The objective of the pilot programme is to evaluate new approaches to meeting the wastewater collection and treatment needs of rural communities and to examine the potential role for group sewerage schemes in extending collection systems to households outside the catchment of new or existing sewerage schemes.

Construction of the pilot projects is currently underway and monitoring of the performance of the new infrastructure by the National Rural Water Monitoring Committee will commence immediately after commissioning takes place. I have asked the Committee to report on the results as they become available. I intend to review the grants for group sewerage schemes in light of the outcome of the pilot programme.

Turbary Rights.

Enda Kenny

Question:

990 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the designation attached to a bog (details supplied) in County Mayo; the restrictions for activity in respect of turbary rights on this particular bog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14290/07]

Derryloughan East bog, Newport, Co. Mayo is within Special Area of Conservation (SAC) 2144, part of the Newport River designation. Cutting turf on designated SACs is strictly limited in order to protect this internationally important type of habitat. A derogation was agreed in 1999 for turf cutting, for domestic use only, on less sensitive areas of bogs designated as SACs for a period of up to ten years — that is, until the end of 2008. At the same time my Department introduced a scheme for compensation in relation to curtailment of turbary rights or purchase of these rights. The use of so-called ‘sausage machines', cutting for commercial use or any other activity that could damage the integrity of listed areas is prohibited.

Water Services.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

991 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to change the exorbitant costs of metered water on farms where there is more than one drinking trough per farm, with many fragmented farms having six to eight water troughs; the reason users should pay for water which they never get as a result of a pricing policy which charges for water pumped from source rather than water used at tap or trough; if there is an unfairness about the system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14303/07]

Local authorities are required to recover from non-domestic water consumers all costs incurred in the provision of water services to those consumers. The application of the polluter pays principle, as required by the EU Water Framework Directive, entails the metering of non-domestic consumers so that a volumetric charge can be applied, with the cost of meter installation being borne by the metered consumers. The cost recovery relates to water and waste water services supplied by local authorities to all non-domestic users.

In response to concerns expressed by farming representatives in relation to the cost of metering and following a pilot billing project in one local authority area, I arranged for my Department to issue billing guidance to local authorities in December 2006, including a request that authorities consider the necessity for special discounting arrangements in the case of necessary multiple water meters on fragmented small farm holdings. Furthermore, in response to the position of farmers with fragmented holdings, the guidance recommends that the total metering charge in such instances should not exceed 180% of the cost of the first connection, irrespective of the number of meters.

Planning Issues.

Fiona O'Malley

Question:

992 Ms F. O’Malley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the frequency with which decisions of An Bord Pleanála are in opposition to their own inspectors, there are instances in which An Bord Pleanála is answerable to him. [14310/07]

Since the establishment of An Bord Pleanála in 1977, planning legislation has clearly assigned final responsibility for decisions on planning appeals to the Board and not to inspectors making reports and recommendations to the Board.

Between 2000 and 2006, the percentage of cases where the Board have reversed the recommendation of the Inspector ranged from 9% to 14% of cases. This does not include the cases where the Board amended the Inspector's recommendation by attaching, deleting or amending conditions or reasons for decisions.

In considering an appeal, the Board must consider all submissions on the file, together with their own inspector's report and recommendation, and reach their own conclusion on the matter in line with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. If they do not follow the recommendations of the inspector, the Board must be satisfied that the facts of the case support their decision. Under the Planning and Development Act 2000, the Board must also give the reasons for their decisions and must specify the various reasons for not accepting the Inspector's recommendations.

I am satisfied that the Board operates these provisions with appropriate transparency, for example, through the publication of Inspectors' reports and Boards decisions on its website and the publication of well documented annual reports.

Finally, I would point out that, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government may only intervene in the planning process in respect of heritage matters, i.e., to comment on planning applications or appeals, or give expert advice to planning authorities or an Bord Pleanála, in relation to the protection of the built and natural heritage. In all other circumstances, the Minister is precluded, under section 30 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, from exercising any power or control in relation to any individual planning application or appeal with which a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála is or may be concerned.

National Parks.

Denis Naughten

Question:

993 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of his Department’s consideration of a wetland park in the north midlands (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14319/07]

I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 567 and 577 of 5 April 2007.

Local Authority Housing.

Willie Penrose

Question:

994 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will immediately approve an application for funding by Longford County Council for refurbishment works at a housing estate (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14336/07]

In December 2006 my Department wrote to Longford County Council seeking further information in respect of the proposed works to the estate in question. Subsequently, my Department met with the Council as part of the Housing Action Plan process for 2007. My Department will give detailed consideration to this proposal when the further information sought has been supplied.

Grant Payments.

Dan Neville

Question:

995 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding an application for a thatch grant for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [14371/07]

An application for a grant was recently received. My Department will arrange for an inspection of the property as soon as possible with a view to determining eligibility for a grant.

Turbary Rights.

Denis Naughten

Question:

996 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 1848 of 31 January 2007, when the payment will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14384/07]

I refer to as the indicated in reply to Question No. 1848 of 31 January 2007. My Department has now advised the Chief State Solicitor's Office that it is in order to proceed with this acquisition and with the extinguishment of the relevant turbary right.

Data Protection.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

997 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the details of all bodies or organisations, public and private, who have access to the national driver file and the reason for such access; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14410/07]

The information requested is contained in Section 60 of the Finance Act 1993 and Regulations made under this provision. The Finance Act 1993 (Section 60) Regulations 2005, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library, specify the persons who may have access to the vehicle and driving licence records and the purposes of such access.

Turbary Agreements.

Denis Naughten

Question:

998 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a decision will be made on an application by a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay in same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14418/07]

The vendor in this instance wished to sell a Turbary Agreement allotted to him by Bord na Mona. As this type of interest had not previously been purchased by my Department, it was necessary to obtain additional documentation from Bord na Mona. Following a review of that supporting documentation, a decision has now been made by my Department to purchase the of turbary interest concerned. A letter of offer to purchase will issue shortly.

Local Authority Funding.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

999 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he plans to give local authorities additional funding and resources to produce leaflets translated into different languages to recognise the many different nationalities currently living here, which in turn would help clear up misunderstandings and possible anti-social behaviour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14429/07]

The need for local authorities to respond to issues of multi-culturalism and migration is fully acknowledged. The major local authorities have already been arranging for the translation of relevant information and other material into different languages. Some of this work is supported with funding from my Department's Housing Management Initiative Grant Scheme.

Housing policy has been reviewed in the context of both general migration policy and the sustainable communities agenda. In line with this, my Department is also supporting a research initiative on issues arising for neighbourhood planning, housing provision and estate management policy from increased ethnic and cultural diversity.

The Government's recent policy statement Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities is particularly focused on the building of sustainable communities. Ensuring the continued development and support of such communities and neighbourhoods will provide many benefits, including those of enhancing opportunities for migrants to satisfy their housing needs.

Anti-Social Behaviour.

John Perry

Question:

1000 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the Housing (Miscellaneous Provision) Act 1997 does not cover nuisances which include noise, vandalism to property, children causing nuisance, obstruction caused by parking of vehicles, uncontrolled pets, late night drinking parties, and dumping of rubbish and littering, as this can cause an amount of stress and annoyance to residents; if the Act will be reviewed to include same and a law put in place to have noisy car exhausts banned as they are a cause of noise in estates at all hours of the day and night; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14452/07]

Local authorities are responsible under the Housing Acts for the management and maintenance of their housing stock and the management of their estates, including taking appropriate measures in relation to anti social behaviour. Under the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1997 local authorities have powers to deal with anti-social behaviour which is defined to include either or both of the following:

(a) the manufacture, production, preparation, importation, exportation, sale, supply, possession for the purposes of sale or supply, or distribution of a controlled drug (within the meaning of the Misuse of Drugs Acts, 1977 and 1984),

(b) any behaviour which causes or is likely to cause any significant or persistent danger, injury, damage, loss or fear to any person living, working or otherwise lawfully in or in the vicinity of a house provided by a housing authority under the Housing Acts 1966 to 1997, or a housing estate in which the house is situate and, without prejudice to the foregoing, includes violence, threats, intimidation, coercion, harassment or serious obstruction of any person.

In line with the Government's recently published Housing Policy Statement Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities I propose to strengthen the powers of local authorities to deal with anti social behaviour in their estates. The necessary provisions will be included in the Social Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006, the drafting of which is being advanced as quickly as possible with a view to publication by early summer.

Primary responsibility for dealing with law and order issues rests with the Garda Síochána and in this regard, the powers of the Gardaí in dealing with anti social behaviour were enhanced under the provisions of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. The Garda Síochána Act 2005 also supports these efforts and provides for the establishment of joint policing committees, representative of local authorities, the Gardaí, other public bodies and community interests.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

1001 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if it is open to a local authority to award priority to applicants within a defined local area when allocating affordable housing that was procured under Part V of the Planning and Development Acts. [14465/07]

Section 98 of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2006 provides that local authorities must allocate affordable housing in accordance with a scheme to be determined by the elected members. The legislation sets out those matters that must be included in any scheme and which the local authority have to consider when prioritising eligible persons for the allocation of affordable housing. These include, inter alia, the duration of eligible persons' residence in the area of the development plan, the distance between the affordable housing and the places of employment of eligible persons and any other matters which the authority considers appropriate or as may be prescribed by regulations.

National Monuments.

Tony Gregory

Question:

1002 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if Dublin City Council wins the compulsory purchase order case, the ownership of 16 Moore Street will be relinquished by the people who owned it prior to the initiation of the CPO process, and transferred to the city council in compliance with the development plan, or if the ownership of 16 Moore Street will transfer to a person (details supplied) on foot of a secret contract which was made by them and the management of Dublin City Council in February 2004 which the membership of Dublin City Council, the 52 elected local government representatives, were unaware of for over two years. [14481/07]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

1015 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the Supreme Court rules in favour of Dublin City Council in relation to its CPO case regarding 16 Moore Street, his Department will actively seek to have the ownership of 16 Moore Street transferred to the city council in compliance with the development plan, or will the ownership transfer to a person (details supplied) as per a contract agreed with the management of Dublin City Council in February 2004, which was not disclosed to the elected members of Dublin City Council for over two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14670/07]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

1016 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the policy and procedures in place to ensure that number 16 Moore Street, a heritage site of historical significance as the 1916 leaders’ last stand headquarters, is preserved for future generations and is owned and managed by a not for profit organisation charged with its protection and promotion. [14671/07]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

1017 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will take positive action to ensure that the ownership of 16 Moore Street is taken into public hands, using whatever means are at the disposal of the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14672/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1002, 1015 to 1017, inclusive, together.

Number 16 Moore Street is listed on Dublin City Council's Record of Protected Structures and is also the subject of a Preservation Order under the National Monuments Acts. The maintenance and upkeep of protected structures or national monuments are the responsibility of the building's owner. The Planning and Development Act 2000 empowers the local authority to take action to secure the protection of protected buildings. The owner of a national monument the subject of a Preservation Order, or any person, is required under the National Monuments Acts to obtain the prior written consent the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government before undertaking any works affecting such a monument, including disturbance of the ground within, around or in proximity to it. Before giving such consent the Minister must consult with the Director of the National Museum of Ireland.

A person who contravenes this provision of the National Monuments Acts is guilty of an offence and liable, upon conviction, to substantial fines or terms of imprisonment. The Minister may take enforcement action to secure the protection of such monuments.

Private Rented Accommodation.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

1003 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the options open to a landlord having completed all the necessary procedures and statutory notices, but where their tenant refuses to vacate the property. [14485/07]

Section 78(j) of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 provides that a landlord may refer a dispute of this nature to the Private Residential Tenancies Board once the tenancy in question is registered with the Board. The Board may be contacted at Canal House, Canal Road, Ranelagh, Dublin 6 (Phone 01 8882960) and further information on their dispute resolution services is available on their website at www.prtb.ie. A landlord may pursue the matter through the Courts where the Board has confirmed to the landlord for this purpose that the Board has no jurisdiction in the matter. However, it remains an offence under the Residential Tenancies Act to fail to register a tenancy subject to a fine of up to €3,000.

Road Network.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

1004 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has received information from Carlow County Council regarding the building of a new bridge in Tullow, County Carlow to alleviate the chronic and ever growing traffic problem in the area. [14493/07]

Responsibility for the provision of non-national roads and bridges in its area is a matter for each individual road authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State grants provided by my Department. My Department has allocated a specific grant of €750,000 to Carlow County Council this year for the Tullow Relief Road, which includes the provision of a new bridge in Tullow. Progress with the advancement of that project is now a matter for the local authority.

National Monuments.

Michael Ring

Question:

1005 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to a previous parliamentary question, if he will provide further details in relation to a former monument in County Mayo (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14497/07]

As indicated in reply to Question No. 670 of 3 April 2007, under Section 12(3) of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994 two months notification in writing of any works proposed at or in relation to a monument listed on the statutory Record of Monuments and Places is required to be given to the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Notification of quarrying works at the stated location was referred to my Department in November 2006 by Mayo County Council. Copies of the relevant documentation in this matter will be forwarded to the Deputy. The provision of planning documentation is a matter for the relevant planning authority.

Rural Water Programme.

Dan Neville

Question:

1006 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to construction procedure, reform and delivery of the rural water programme for 2007, in particular the timescale for the introduction of reforms for conditions of engagement for construction contracts and circular letter 3306 from the Department of Finance indicating that training is essential before new forms are used and that this training will not be completed until September 2007. [14562/07]

Revised procurement arrangements for all publicly funded construction projects have been introduced by the Minister for Finance which have applied to the engagement of construction consultants from 1 January, 2007, and have introduced new Forms of Contract from 19 February, 2007. The strategic objective is to produce greater cost certainty at contract award stage, value for money and more efficient delivery of projects.

Under the training programme for local authorities in relation to the revised procurement procedures, priority is being given to key personnel involved in project delivery. I am satisfied that the training arrangements have been structured to ensure minimal, if any, disruption to the Rural Water Programme.

Local Authority Funding.

Dan Neville

Question:

1007 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way the local authorities can draw down the approved funds before the end of November 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14563/07]

Local authorities recoup expenditure incurred on approved programmes and projects from various subheads within my Department's Vote. Claims for payment are submitted at various intervals on foot of certified expenditure and payment is usually made by my Department within a short period in respect of all eligible claims. General Purpose Grants from the Local Government Fund, which amount to some €948m in 2007, are paid to local authorities quarterly in advance.

Public Procurement Guidelines.

Joe Higgins

Question:

1008 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if it is consistent with his Department’s tendering guidelines for a company (details supplied) to tender for the management contract of a new leisure complex in Letterkenny, County Donegal, when this company is owned by the consultancy company which drew up the business and marketing plan for the project. [14566/07]

All public bodies, including local authorities, are subject to public procurement policy and guidelines as determined by the Minister for Finance in accordance with national and EU procurement guidelines. The relevant policy and guidance materials are published on-line at www.e-tenders.gov.ie.

My Department has no supervisory function in relation to this contract. Exchequer assistance towards the project is being managed by the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism. The contracting authority in this case is Letterkenny Sports Complex Development Ltd. which is a company limited by guarantee under the auspices of Letterkenny Town Council.

Control of Dogs.

Pat Carey

Question:

1009 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the powers local authorities have which would be of assistance to residents who have to endure persistent barking of dogs from next door neighbours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14580/07]

The statutory framework for the control of dogs is contained in the Control of Dogs Acts 1986 and 1992 and the Control of Dogs Regulations 1998. Under the provisions of section 25 of the 1986 Act the District Court may act on a complaint by any person where a nuisance has been created by excessive barking by a dog.

While complaints in relation to barking dogs are largely dealt with under the provisions of the Control of Dogs Acts, the position in relation to noise nuisance generally is that a legal remedy has been provided under Section 108 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 (Noise) Regulations 1994. This allows an individual, a group of residents, a local authority or the Environmental Protection Agency to make a complaint to the District Court in respect of noise which gives reasonable cause for annoyance, for the purpose of obtaining an Order for the reduction, prevention or limitation of the noise. The defendant is obliged to comply with any such Order.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Michael Ring

Question:

1010 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when funding was first applied for in respect of a project (details supplied) in County Mayo; the funding allocated to this project by stage; the funding that has been drawn down; the expected costs of the project on completion; the estimated completion date for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14593/07]

The extension of the Lough Mask Regional Water Supply Scheme from Shrah to Westport and the upgrading of the Tourmakeady Water Treatment Plant are being funded under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 at an estimated cost of €21.3 million.

Last January I approved Mayo County Council's Contract Documents for the scheme, subject to agreement between the Council and the Department in relation the Water Services Pricing Policy Report for the scheme. A revised Water Services Pricing Policy Report was received in my Department on 30 March 2007 and is being dealt with as quickly as possible with a view to allowing the Council to proceed to tender at an early date. Mayo County Council's first claim for recoupment of expenditure on the scheme was received in my Department on 5 March 2002 and payments totalling €1,238,094 have been made to the Council in the meantime.

Michael Ring

Question:

1011 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if funding has been applied for in respect of a project (details supplied) in County Mayo; if so, when the application was lodged; and the projected costs of same. [14594/07]

The Louisburgh Water Supply Scheme, which includes an extension of the Lough Mask Regional Water Supply Scheme to serve Louisburgh and Murrisk, is approved for funding under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 at an estimated cost of €6.3 million. Mayo County Council's Contract Documents for the scheme are being dealt with as quickly as possible following receipt of additional information from the Council on 30 March last. The Council's first claim for recoupment of expenditure incurred on the scheme was submitted to my Department on 23 November 2005.

The Lough Mask Regional Water Supply Scheme extension to Newport and Mulranny was ranked twelfth in the list of water services schemes submitted by Mayo County Council in response to my Department's request to local authorities last year to undertake fresh assessments of the needs for capital works in their areas and to prioritise their proposals on the basis of the assessments. The priorities adopted by the members of Mayo County Council will be taken into account in the framing of the next phase of my Department's Water Services Investment Programme.

I understand that Kilmeena will be serviced by the Kilmeena Group Water Scheme which is being funded by Mayo County Council from its block grant allocation from my Department under the Rural Water Programme.

Question No. 1012 answered with QuestionNo. 984.

Motor Taxation.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

1013 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason a vehicle (details supplied) cannot be taxed as a commercial rather than a private vehicle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14617/07]

To be taxed at the goods (commercial) rate, the vehicle must be constructed or adapted for use as a goods vehicle and used exclusively for the conveyance of goods or burden in the course of trade or business. Goods vehicles, which are used for private purposes must be taxed at the private car rate. Responsibility for the administration of motor tax and for determining the motor tax rate appropriate in individual cases is a matter for the local licensing authority.

Special Areas of Conservation.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

1014 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when an application by a person (details supplied) in County Galway to have some land reclassified from its current SAC status will be decided on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14669/07]

I understand that the appellant was informed by letter dated 30 March 2007 of the decision in the case referred to. He was also advised of the possibility of referring the matter to the Appeal Advisory Board within a certain period.

Questions Nos. 1015 to 1017, inclusive, answered with Question No. 1002.

Environmental Policy.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

1018 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if further towns are to be added to those with a ban on bituminous coal; the assessments being carried out to ensure that towns that may be in need are being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14674/07]

The ban on the marketing, sale and distribution of bituminous coal currently applies in 16 urban areas nationally. The selection of these areas took account of air quality monitoring data and population size. In April 2006, my Department and the Solid Fuel Trade Group signed a new negotiated agreement concerning further reductions in the sulphur emissions of bituminous coal and petcoke, and the maintenance of existing limitations through smokeless zones on the marketing, sale and distribution of solid fuels.

The new agreement follows on from a previous agreement put in place in 2002 and runs until the end of the fuel season in April 2008. The new agreement locks in place the significant environmental gains achieved by the first agreement through ambitious limits on sulphur levels in bituminous coal and petcoke. The advantage of this approach is that it ensures that all solid fuel is cleaner, which should lessen the overall impact of such fuels on air quality.

Under the new agreement, there is at present a temporary moratorium on the designation of further coal ban areas during the life of the agreement, except where required to ensure adherence to air quality standards. My Department has requested local authorities to maintain a high level of vigilance with regard to air quality in their areas and to be notified immediately of any problems with local air quality which may be caused by the use of solid fuels.

Question No. 1019 answered with QuestionNo. 978.

EU Directives.

Michael Ring

Question:

1020 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the assistance available for participants in the farm plan scheme for designated areas and commonages, if they are instructed to build a farm shed as part of their plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14796/07]

The National Parks and Wildlife Service Farm Plan Scheme for Designated Areas and Commonages provides for compensation to landowners or land users for actual losses of farming income that arise as a result of implementation of the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), the Birds Directive (79/409/EEC) and the Commonage Framework Plans.

The annual compensation payment is based on a calculation of the income foregone (e.g. the loss of the gross margin on destocked animals or reduced forage yield due to restricted fertiliser usage) and/or the cost of meeting the requirements of the particular plan (e.g. the erection of fencing). For specified habitats or species, an area-based rate of payment may apply. In very exceptional circumstances, a lump sum may be payable for fixed capital expenditure, such as for the erection of animal housing, in circumstances where it may be necessary to exceed the standard required by Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition and Good Farming Practice.

Heritage Sites.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

1021 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the estimated cost to the taxpayer of the decisions in the High Court and Supreme Court arising out of the refusal by him to grant a licence to the owner of the Lusitania under section 3(5) of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1987; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14803/07]

Legal costs in respect of the High Court and Supreme Court actions taken in relation to the wreck of the RMS Lusitania remain to be determined by the Courts and/or the Taxing Master.

Safety Certificates.

David Stanton

Question:

1022 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to nominate a number of people to sign off on certificates of safety for travelling funfairs; the number of such certificates in force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14817/07]

The Planning and Development (Certification of Fairground Equipment) Regulations 2003 put in place procedures and checks to ensure that funfair equipment cannot be operated in Ireland without a valid safety certificate. Under those Regulations, the requirement to have safety certificates came into force on 1 March 2004. Responsibility for obtaining a certificate lies with the organisers of funfairs and/or owners of fairground equipment.

Applications for certificates of safety must be made to an authorised person designated by the Minister and a separate application must be made for each piece of fairground equipment. Certificates are valid for a period of up to 14 months.

When the regulations came into force, three persons were authorised under the Regulations to carry out inspections and grant certificates of safety. These appointments resulted from expressions of interest being sought by my Department for suitably qualified and experienced personnel. My Department will shortly advertise seeking further expressions of interest with a view to appointing additional authorised persons.

The regulations provide that when a certificate of safety is granted by an authorised person, a copy of the certificate is sent, inter alia, to my Department. In 2006 a total of 513 certificates of safety were received in my Department; none has been received to date in 2007.

Urban Renewal Schemes.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

1023 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason a press statement released by his Department on 3 April 2007 failed to mention the boundary change in Moyross, Limerick; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that changes to the boundary of Moyross are critical in facilitating the intensive development and regeneration of the north city area in Limerick; if he will give a commitment to effect this change as a matter of urgency; the date at which this change will be effected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14864/07]

Arthur Morgan

Question:

1024 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the dates on which the two area-based special purpose regeneration agencies, Limerick northside regeneration and Limerick southside regeneration, will be established in order to address issues of social exclusion and regeneration in Moyross and other areas of Limerick City; the progress to date in respect of the establishment of these agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14865/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1023 and 1024 together.

Last October, Mr. John Fitzgerald, former Dublin City Manager, was appointed by Government to lead an initiative to address social exclusion, crime and disorder in Moyross and other parts of Limerick City. Mr. Fitzgerald recently completed his report and the Government have agreed to implement its recommendations. Work is underway in my Department at present in drafting the necessary statutory instruments to establish the regeneration agencies proposed and these agencies will be set up as soon as possible.

My Department's Press Statement included details of Mr Fitzgerald's recommendation of a limited extension of the Limerick city boundary to support regeneration and investment. My Department will be following up on this recommendation with Limerick City and County Councils as part of the implementation of the report.

Housing Management Companies.

Joan Burton

Question:

1025 Ms Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the ODCE consultation paper and draft guidance on the governance of apartment owners management companies published by the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement on 12 December 2006, and on the Law Reform Commission’s consultation paper on multi-unit developments and management companies published on 19 December 2006; his views on the conclusion of both reports that new legislation is urgently required in this area; when he will bring legislation on management companies to Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14872/07]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 1824 of 31 January 2007. I understand that the consultation period for the Office of Director of Corporate Enforcement's paper has since been extended to 30 April 2007, which is also in line with the Law Reform Commission's consultation period. The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform has convened the inter-departmental committee to consider legislative responses to issues generally relating to property management companies.

Waste Management.

Michael Ring

Question:

1026 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there is an obligation on local authorities to provide a waiver towards refuse service charges to people on low incomes, irrespective of whether their refuse collection is private or public service. [14901/07]

Waste management services have traditionally been provided at a local level, with individual arrangements being locally determined and tailored to local circumstances. The present legal framework, as determined by the Oireachtas, reflects this. In accordance with section 52 of the Protection of the Environment Act 2003, the determination of waste management charges, and any associated waiver scheme, is a matter for the relevant local authority, where it acts as the service provider. Similarly, where a private operator provides the collection service, it is a matter for that operator to determine charges.

Housing Grants.

Jack Wall

Question:

1027 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of applications received from support groups seeking to provide refuge facilities for families suffering from domestic violence in each of the past five years; the amount of funding provided; the areas of application; the decisions in relation to each area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14919/07]

Jack Wall

Question:

1028 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of applications received by his Department for the provision of funding towards extensions of existing women’s refuge centres in all areas for each of the past five years; the funding involved; the amount allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14920/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1027 and 1028 together.

The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, which chairs the National Steering Committee on Violence against Women, has overall responsibility for issues relating to violence against women. Capital funding is available through my Department's Capital Assistance Scheme to voluntary housing bodies providing accommodation to meet a range of special housing needs; these include accommodation for the homeless and victims of domestic violence. Given that the accommodation provided by voluntary housing bodies for victims of domestic violence may be multi-purpose or may not be categorised specifically, separate figures are not available for expenditure on accommodation for victims of domestic violence.

Decisions on funding for accommodation of victims of domestic violence, including refuges and transitional accommodation, are matters for the local authority in whose area the accommodation is situated.

Motor Taxation.

John Deasy

Question:

1029 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will introduce a savings scheme for the payment of motor tax through the purchase of stamps, similar to that in operation in respect of the purchase of television licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14936/07]

Easier and more prompt payment of motor tax for motorists is being facilitated through the on-line motor tax payment service which now handles over 40% of eligible motor tax business nationally and is extremely successful in this regard. There are no proposals to introduce a savings stamp scheme for motor tax.

Fire Stations.

John Deasy

Question:

1030 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when funding will be provided for the provision of a new fire station at Lismore, County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14937/07]

A proposal for a new fire station at Lismore, County Waterford was received in my Department on 24 October 2006. While it was not possible to include this proposal in the 2007 fire services capital programme, funding has been provided for a range of priority projects which have been advanced in County Waterford in recent years. These include replacement stations and extensions or upgrading works at stations in Ardmore, Cappoquin, Dungarvan, Dunmore East and Tramore.

The provision of a station in the wider west Waterford area will be considered under future programmes having regard to the existing facilities, the level of activity, the proximity of other fire stations, the fire authority's priorities and competing demands of for the available funding. In that connection, my Department has written to the fire authority requesting an appraisal in relation to fire cover in the wider west Waterford area, given the proximity of Lismore, Tallow and Cappoquin fire stations. The fire authority has also been requested to outline its priorities for replacement stations in the County.

EU Directives.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

1031 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if she will ensure that implementation of the EU directive which requires water metering and charging for non-domestic users exempts non-profit organisations such as sports clubs and schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14979/07]

Article 9.1 of the EU Water Framework Directive requires Member States to take account of the principle of water services cost recovery, including environmental and resource costs, in accordance with the polluter pays principle. The Directive is being implemented in Ireland in relation to the non-domestic sector on the basis of recovery of all non-domestic water services costs from non-domestic users of the services. This is being achieved by means of a meter based volumetric charge to ensure water charging of users according to actual consumption. Metering should also encourage water conservation. There is no provision for the exemption of any class of non-domestic user from water charges.

Questions Nos. 1032 and 1033 answered with Question No. 979.

Water Pollution.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1034 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of submissions he has received from Kildare County Council in view of recent concerns in regard to the quality of the domestic water supply for the upgrading of existing or provision of new waste water treatment facilities from the various local authorities throughout County Kildare in the past five years; the number of such instances in respect of which he has made a favourable response; the number outstanding; if his attention has been drawn to all such proposals; the number of plans or schemes, preliminary or otherwise, in respect of which he has provided funding in the five year period; the number outstanding; when he expects to meet the full requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15043/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1037 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of the various local authorities here that have been in contact with his Department in the past five years setting out their concerns in respect of the need for the upgrading of existing sewerage treatment systems or the provision of new schemes, with a view to meeting population requirements and averting potential pollution threats to the waterways including the domestic water supply; if he responded conclusively and favourably in each case; the number of cases outstanding; if he has approved all such plans and provided the necessary funding to facilitate these requirements; if he will examine all such outstanding issues with a view to preventing a repetition of pollution of the domestic water supply such as has happened in County Galway; his proposals to prevent such recurrences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15046/07]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

1045 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of new and upgraded water treatment plants that have been approved by his Department over the past two years; the dates of same; the number of these approvals that have included equipment installation specifically designed to address the threat from cryptosporidium thereby ensuring a potable supply for all dependent consumers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15183/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1034, 1037 and 1045 together.

Water and waste water schemes currently approved for funding by my Department are set out in the Water Services Investment Programme 2005-2007 which is available in the Oireachtas Library. Schemes included in the Programme are derived from regular assessments of needs undertaken by local authorities, at my Department's request, as an input to the overall strategy for meeting water supply and treatment requirements. Local authorities were required by my Department to undertake such assessments in 2003 and again in 2006. In carrying out their assessments, authorities take into account a number of factors, including relevant national and EU environmental, public health and water quality statutory requirements and standards.

Explicit requirements in relation to monitoring of drinking water for clostridium perfringens — an indicator of possible contamination of the water by cryptosporidium — have been in force since end 2003 under the Drinking Water Regulations 2000. Prior to that, in 1998, my Department circulated detailed guidelines to local authorities on minimising the risk of cryptosporidium in water supplies. The guidelines were prepared in consultation with the Department of Health and Children and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and circulated to local authorities. The guidelines provided advice to local authorities on preventing cryptosporidium entering water supply systems and covered all aspects of water supply management, including source protection, monitoring, treatment processes, storage and distribution as well as responding to an outbreak.

In September 2004, the EPA produced a handbook for local authorities on implementation of the Drinking Water Regulations 2000. This updated and elaborated on the Department's earlier guidelines by including a cryptosporidium risk assessment methodology and further guidance on monitoring for cryptosporidium in light of the outcome of individual risk assessments. In November 2004, the National Disease Surveillance Centre (now the Health Protection Surveillance Centre) also published a report on waterborne cryptosporidiosis.

The EPA Handbook requested each authority to prepare risk assessments for each water source and supply, using the updated methodology. EPA has taken account of these risk factors in the recommendations that it addresses annually to local authorities for monitoring and improving drinking water quality. In some cases, the EPA recommendations may identify required improvement of infrastructure; in others, source protection and operational management may be the main issues. Earlier this month, the EPA asked all local authorities to update their risk assessments.

My Department's Water Services Investment Programme provides capital funding for improvements of the water infrastructure of local authorities. Identified deficiencies posing relatively greater risk to human health or the environment are prioritised in this context. The EPA has identified coagulation, followed by sedimentation and filtration, as one of the most effective processes for removing cryptosporidium from water supplies. This is now the normal form of treatment provided in all new or upgraded water treatment infrastructure for supplies sourced from surface waters which are the most vulnerable to infection by cryptosporidium.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1035 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the carbon sequestration capacity of one hectare of forestry; the most effective way to ensure the maximisation of such potential as a means of reducing carbon trading costs having regard to the availability of such forestry throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15044/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1036 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the carbon sequestration capacity of one hectare of bog land; the most effective way to ensure the maximisation of such potential as a means of reducing carbon trading costs having regard to the availability of such bog land throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15045/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1035 and 1036 together.

The Kyoto Protocol allows Parties to offset carbon sequestered by forests against their greenhouse gas emissions. Article 3.3 allows Parties to count net carbon sequestration from afforestation and deforestation provided since 1990, arising over the period covered by the Protocol, 2008-2012.

Sequestered carbon must be accounted for in national inventories of greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with guidelines provided by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Carbon sequestration associated with bog land in Ireland is not recorded for the purposes of compliance with Ireland's Kyoto Protocol commitments.

In order to calculate sequestration levels from forests, the area of and species composition of afforestation must be estimated for each year. COFORD, the National Council for Forest Research and Development, has developed a model to predict carbon sequestration based on net forest area and a number of other factors such as growth increment, wood density, carbon content and biomass expansion factor, based on Irish research and the Good Practice Guidance of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

The COFORD model estimates that average annual sequestration over the period 2008-2012 will be 2.074 million tonnes of CO2, based on an estimated 244,000 hectares of new forest planted over the period 1990 to date, and 14,000 hectares to be planted per annum between now and 2012. Carbon sequestration in new forest is slow to begin with, but once the crop is fully established it rapidly increases year on year, to reach a peak over the period 10-30 years, depending on species and growth rate. On average, over that period, annual uptake, under Irish conditions, will be 10 tonnes of CO2 per hectare per year.

The National Climate Change Strategy 2007-2012 sets out the measures being taken by the Government to maximise the sequestration potential of forestry. Grant aid for the establishment of forestry is provided under EU and State-funded afforestation schemes. In addition, the Forest Environment Protection Scheme, part of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013, encourages farmers to combine the establishment of high nature-value woodland with their participation in the Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS). An indicative €906 million will be spent on afforestation over the period covered by the Rural Development Programme.

Question No. 1037 answered with QuestionNo. 1034.
Question No. 1038 answered with QuestionNo. 981.

Local Authority Housing.

Paul McGrath

Question:

1039 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in relation to the requirement in Part 5 of the Planning and Development Acts 2000 and 2002 he will confirm that housing developments in villages which do not have a development plan in place are exempt from the requirements of this provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15070/07]

Under Part V of the Planning and Development Acts 2000 to 2006, each planning authority is required to prepare a housing strategy to ensure that the authority's Development Plan, into which the strategy is incorporated, makes adequate provision for the housing requirements of the existing and future population of the area. The housing strategy also provides the basis for determining the percentage, up to 20%, of land zoned for residential development or for a mix of residential and other uses that the local authority may require to be reserved for social and affordable housing purposes under Part V.

Section 9(1) of the Act provides that all planning authorities must make a development plan every six years and that these relate to the whole functional area of the authority. The issue of village-specific development plans does not therefore arise in the implementation of Part V.

Paul McGrath

Question:

1040 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if it was the intention of Part 5 of the Planning and Development Acts 2000 and 2002 that villages in the greater Dublin area would be exempt from this requirement and hence would not have to provide social and affordable housing. [15071/07]

Part V of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-06 applies to all planning permissions for developments on land zoned for residential use or a mixture of residential and other uses where the developments are of 5 or more units or on land of 0.1 hectares or more. It does not apply to developments by voluntary housing bodies or to conversions of buildings where at least 50% of the external building is being retained or to housing on land which is not zoned for residential purposes. Accordingly, villages in the Greater Dublin Area are not exempt from Part V.

Turbary Rights.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1041 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 183 of 15 February 2007, the position regarding the issues raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15079/07]

The issue regarding the grant of right of way has been resolved and the contracts for sale are now with the Chief State Solicitor's Office for execution.

Local Authority Housing.

Seán Ryan

Question:

1042 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that tenants of local authority dwellings here who wish to purchase their houses by tenant purchase scheme are finding it prohibitive, in view of the fact that the local authorities under the scheme are taking into consideration the current valuation on the houses; and his proposals to bring forward a more favourable tenant purchase scheme. [15088/07]

In line with the Government's recently published Housing Policy Statement Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities, an enhanced scheme of tenant purchase will be introduced. The Government has approved the drafting of the Social Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006, which provides, inter alia, for new tenant purchase arrangements. The drafting of the Bill is being advanced as quickly as possible with a view to publication by early summer.

Fire Service.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

1043 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the case being made by the National Retained Firefighters Association for a national standard uniform for such firefighters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15181/07]

My Department accepted recommendations made by the Fire Services Council some 10 years ago in relation to the design and specification of uniforms for fire services personnel and these were forwarded to the fire authorities for consideration in regard to the purchasing and replacement of uniforms, where appropriate. However, provision of uniforms remains a matter for individual fire authorities.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

1044 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the case made by the National Retained Firefighters Association for a compensation scheme for retained firefighters who are killed or injured in the course of their duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15182/07]

I refer to reply to Question No. 302 of 21 March, 2007. The position is unchanged.

Question No. 1045 answered with QuestionNo. 1034.

National Monuments.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

1046 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has visited Maynooth Castle, Maynooth, County Kildare, in his capacity as Minister. [15225/07]

Since my appointment as Minister I have not had an opportunity to visit Maynooth Castle in my official capacity and to review the €2 million restoration works which have been carried out there. As I advised the Deputy in reply to Question No. 568 of 5 April 2007, this consisted of a programme of conservation and adaptation works to the ground floor, the provision of access to the first floor and the provision of an exhibition and reception point. This has facilitated visitor access and the provision of a guide service. The site is now open to the public on a seasonal basis.

Local Authority Services.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

1047 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Question No. 1909 of 31 January 2007, if he will issue the regulations this side of the general election. [15227/07]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 1909 of 31 January 2007. I am continuing to keep this matter under review, while consolidating progress on quality customer service measures, with the aim of ensuring good accessible local government service delivery for all towns.

Local Authority Staff.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

1048 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of his response to Question No. 570 of 5 April 2007, he will confirm that he has never written to the Minister for Finance seeking the lifting of the embargo on the recruitment of local authority staff in the greater Dublin area and other areas experiencing large population growth. [15229/07]

My Department wrote to the Department of Finance in October 2006 identifying a range of issues arising in relation to the current ceiling on local authority staff numbers, including increased servicing requirements in areas which have experienced high population growth. As indicated previously, I am continuing to keep the overall employment position in the local government sector under regular review, and my Department is maintaining appropriate contact with the Department of Finance in this regard.

Housing Grants.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

1049 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to the application by a women’s refuge support group (details supplied) in County Kildare for funding under the capital assistance scheme. [15236/07]

Capital funding is available through my Department's Capital Assistance Scheme to approved voluntary housing bodies to provide accommodation to meet special housing needs, including accommodation for victims of domestic violence. My Department's involvement with the scheme relates primarily to the provision of funds. The administration of the scheme and the certification that particular projects comply with the terms of the scheme are the responsibility of the appropriate local authority. No application for funding has been received from Kildare County Council to date in respect of the project detailed in the Question.

Question No. 1050 answered with QuestionNo. 984.

County Development Boards.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

1051 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the budget for each county development board in 2006 and 2007; if he is satisfied regarding the work being carried out by the respective boards; and his plans to change the functions and structures of the boards. [15271/07]

County and City Development Boards (CDBs), led by local government, were established in early 2000 in each county and city area and are representative of local development bodies, State agencies and the social partners operating locally. A key function of the Boards is to bring about the more integrated delivery of public services at local level via their Strategies for Economic, Social and Cultural Development. The CDBs were given statutory recognition in the Local Government Act 2001. However, the Boards are not executive bodies and do not have a specific budget of their own. They are supported in the main by the relevant local authority and implementation of the Boards' Strategies is the responsibility of their member agencies, having regard to available resources.

In 2006, at my request, CDBs completed a review of their Strategies to ensure that they remain focused on key priorities over the following three years. In this context, I appointed independent consultants to examine the Strategy Reviews and bring forward recommendations to develop and strengthen the Boards in line with a commitment in Towards 2016. It is expected that the consultants will be submitting their final report shortly.

City Status.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

1052 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the significant increase in population in Drogheda, County Louth he will introduce legislation if necessary to grant Drogheda city status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15282/07]

The Local Government Act 2001 modernises the legislative framework, supports community involvement with local authorities in participative local democracy and underpins generally the programme of local government renewal including the position of county and city councils as the primary units of local government. Under the Act, there are five city councils, and also five borough councils (including Drogheda) each of which is responsible for a significant range of legal and administrative functions in their respective areas as well as contributing to local development in co-operation with their respective county council.

The Act takes account of the recommendations of the 1996 Report of the Reorganisation Commission Towards Cohesive Local Government — Town and County regarding improved accessibility, interaction and linkages for all boroughs and towns with their local county council areas as the way forward. A modernised legal framework and structures at both regional and local level are now in place and these provide the necessary powers and flexibility to local authorities to work in partnership to co-ordinate the provision of integrated public services. In these circumstances I have no proposals for amending legislation, which would be necessary to establish new city councils.

Fire Stations.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

1053 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding a project (details supplied) in County Donegal; and when it is expected that a decision will be made to allow work to commence. [15283/07]

An application from Donegal County Council for the provision of a new fire station in Gaoth Dobhair, County Donegal was received in my Department on 15 February 2006. The project was subsequently included in the 2006 Fire Services Capital Programme. The fire authority submitted detailed cost plans, as well as a report recommending acceptance of a tender, to my Department on 20 April 2007. The tender proposal is being examined and a response will issue shortly.

Question No. 1054 answered with QuestionNo. 981.

Housing Management Companies.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

1055 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he or his Department has been in contact with Kildare County Council regarding issues relating to management companies for houses in the county; if discussions have or will take place to accelerate taking estates in charge that are subject to management companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15352/07]

The Planning and Development Act 2000 sets out the statutory framework within which planning authorities must take in charge estates and may attach planning conditions relating to maintenance or management of a proposed development. In addition to the legal framework, my Department has also issued policy guidance to planning authorities on these issues.

In relation to the taking in charge of estates, my Department's circular letter PD 1/06 reminded planning authorities of their responsibilities in this area and asked them as a priority to establish a policy on taking in charge to be approved by the members of the authority, and reported on to those members on a regular basis or at least once annually. Section 34 of the Planning and Development Act recognised the practice of establishing management companies for apartment developments by including in the list of conditions which planning authorities may attach to planning permissions, specific conditions relating to the maintenance or management of the proposed development.

In late 2005 my Department contacted all planning authorities, including Kildare County Council, enquiring as to their policy regarding attaching planning conditions in relation to management companies to planning permissions for estates comprising apartments only, estates comprising a mix of apartments and houses and estates comprising houses only. Following on from the results of this survey my Department issued policy guidance in July 2006 in the form of circular letter PD 5/06. In that circular letter it was made clear to planning authorities that they should not require the establishment of a management company for a "traditional" housing estate other than in very specific instances, e.g. to maintain a facility which is for the sole use of residents.

The policy guidance did acknowledge, however, that the question of who should be responsible for the maintenance of certain shared facilities in the newer type of mixed estate needed further examination. Accordingly, my Department established a Working Group, representative of local authorities, architects, planners and consumer interests to consider this issue and other related issues around taking in charge of estates. The Group has now completed its work and it is intended to issue further guidance shortly to planning authorities based on the outcome of its deliberations.

Control of Dogs.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

1056 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will introduce new regulations to provide greater protection to the public and animals from dog attacks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15358/07]

The Control of Dogs Acts 1986 and 1992 place statutory responsibility for dog control and licensing services on local authorities. The implementation of the Acts is vested in local authorities who have power to appoint dog wardens, to provide shelters for stray and other dogs, to impose on-the-spot fines for a number of offences and to take prosecutions. Local authorities may also make by-laws in relation to the control of dogs within their functional areas.

The Control of Dogs Regulations 1998, made under the above Acts, place additional controls on ten breeds of dogs. The controls, which must be observed when the dog is in a public place, require that these dogs, or types and crosses thereof, must be kept on a short lead by a person over 16 years of age who is capable of controlling them and that they are securely muzzled. Furthermore, the Control of Dogs Act 1986 gives specific powers to the courts to order that a dog, which the court considers dangerous, must be kept under proper control or be destroyed. While these arrangements provide a workable regulatory framework for enforcement by local authorities, my Department is reviewing the control measures to consider, for example, whether the micro-chipping of dogs could bring benefits to dog control.

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