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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 26 Apr 2007

Vol. 636 No. 3

Written Answers.

The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 15, inclusive, answered orally.

Employment for People with Disabilities.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

16 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps his Department has taken to implement the recommendation contained in the Government’s mental health policy A Vision for Change that evidence based approaches to training and employment for people with mental health problems should be adopted and such programmes should be put in place by the agencies with responsibility in this area. [15618/07]

Vocational training and employment programmes for people with disabilities, including those with mental health difficulties, are delivered by FÁS.

People with disabilities are encouraged to apply for training, and the appropriate supports are put in place to meet their particular individual needs. Where the disabled person cannot meet the requirements of mainline vocational training, with training supports, the individual is referred to specialist training providers contracted by FÁS.

FÁS has adopted an evidence-based approach to the operation of its vocational training and employment programmes for people with disabilities.

For example, a review of the pilot programme for supported employment for people with disabilities was conducted on behalf of FÁS in 2003. Supported employment is one of the models referred to in ‘A Vision for Change' and found to have potential in improving vocational and psychosocial outcomes for service users. The 2003 review concluded that the programme was successful in assisting people with disabilities, with the appropriate supports, to access open labour market employment. It concluded that this form of supported employment is suitable for all major forms of disability, e.g., mental health, learning, sensory, physical. Following that review the pilot programme was rolled out by FÁS on a full programme basis. Funding for the FÁS supported programme has subsequently increased by some €2.5 million to €8.5 million in 2007.

Another example of the use of the use of an evidenced-based approach is a consultancy study that was undertaken in 2006 on behalf of my Department, FÁS, and the Department of Health and Children into the efficiency and effectiveness of vocational training and rehabilitative training services provided by specialist training providers for people with disabilities. This study concluded that such vocational training services have a positive impact, given the high percentage of trainees who move to employment and progression. Its recommendations are being considered for implementation in the months ahead.

In general, the Sectoral Plan under the Disability Act, 2005 outlines my Department's key initiatives in promoting equality opportunities for disabled people in the open labour market, including its ‘Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities'. This Strategy proposes to enhance the effectiveness of employment and vocational training programmes for people with disabilities, and to further develop supports to the open market employment of people with disabilities, within both the private and public sectors.

North-South Enterprise Policy.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

17 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress being made in negotiations with the British Government relating to a north south enterprise policy; his plans following the new agreement on Northern Ireland governance on north south cooperation; when he plans to meet with his new Northern Ireland counterpart; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15485/07]

The Good Friday Agreement set out a new vision for the island of Ireland. As both North and South face the common challenges and opportunities of a globalised market place and continuing the transition to a knowledge economy where science, technology and innovation are vital to economic success, it is appropriate that we should jointly address those challenges and opportunities where there is mutual benefit to be achieved. To be globally competitive we must exploit and realise the opportunities of all-island collaboration.

There is ongoing co-operation between my Department and the Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment in Northern Ireland on enterprise issues. Both Departments co-sponsor InterTradeIreland, the all-island trade and business development body established under the Good Friday Agreement. Since 1999, InterTradeIreland has shown the benefits of all-island business collaboration and it is implementing significant initiatives to enhance the global competitiveness of the all-island economy.

My Department provided significant input to a ‘Comprehensive Study on the All-Island Economy', which was commissioned by the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference to identify areas for enhanced North/South co-operation. This blueprint for all-island economic co-operation was completed towards the end of last year and sets out the economic rationale for North/South collaboration, as well as concrete proposals for economic initiatives.

The proposals to enhance co-operation in the areas of trade and investment promotion are currently being implemented and include the opening up of trade missions, whether sponsored by Enterprise Ireland or Invest Northern Ireland, to companies across the island. The services of the overseas offices of Enterprise Ireland and Invest Northern Ireland are being made available to companies from across the island. Furthermore, enhanced collaboration between IDA Ireland and Invest Northern Ireland is being taken forward with an initial focus on collaboration around the business-operating environment so as to enhance the attractiveness of the island for Foreign Direct Investment.

The new National Development Plan 2007-2013 sets out to give real meaning to the approach outlined in the ‘Comprehensive Study on the All-Island Economy'. The Irish Government has set out in the National Development Plan a detailed and specific agenda for progressing such co-operation.

I very much welcome the agreement of the political parties in Northern Ireland on the restoration of the devolved institutions on the 8th May. The formation of an Executive in Northern Ireland will enable full operation of the North/South institutions established under the Good Friday Agreement and will see the North/South Ministerial Council meet again. After the restoration of the Executive it is hoped convene a plenary meeting of the Council as soon as possible, at which a schedule of sectoral meetings will be agreed.

I look forward to working with the new Minister for Enterprise Trade and Investment to promote the further development of the all-island economy. My priorities to advance North/South co-operation will be focused in the areas of Science Technology and Innovation; Trade and Investment Promotion; Labour Market and Skills; and Enterprise and Business Development. I will also be examining the strategic direction of InterTradeIreland for the period 2008-2010.

Job Creation.

Joe Sherlock

Question:

18 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the enterprise element of the special local area plan for Mallow recently agreed; if he will be seeking assurances or commitments from Greencore or if he will be targeting particular resources from his Department or its agencies, to ensure employment opportunities are created on the site of the former sugar factory in Mallow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15478/07]

Joe Sherlock

Question:

29 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the action he proposes to take to bring replacement jobs and investment to Mallow and the wider east Cork community following the closure of the sugar plant in 2006 and other job losses in Cork to date in 2007; the reason the Government has apparently abandoned Cork in its job creation and investment schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15456/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 29 together.

The Industrial Development agencies continue to promote the greater Cork area for industrial development. In terms of new foreign investment, pharmaceuticals, medical technologies, information and communications technology and internationally traded services are among the area's strongest performers in recent years.

Last year, new projects were announced for the region which will result in over 2,300 new jobs at full production. The Amgen announcement of 1,100 new jobs at an €820 million facility is of particular importance as it is a major global project that has chosen Cork as its development location. In addition, one of the largest online retailers in the world is creating 450 jobs and a further company is creating 250 financial services jobs. In 2005, over 600 new jobs were announced in various overseas companies. The development of indigenous industry in Cork continues to be supported by Enterprise Ireland and the County and City Development Boards.

As regards the sugar factory site in Mallow, I should point out that on 21 March, 2006, An Taoiseach, the Minister for Agriculture and Food and myself, together with Minister of State Michael Ahern, met a delegation of various interests and concerned parties. At that time, I indicated my intention to ensure that possible alternative uses of the company's facility would be explored. There is now a €500 million development plan for the site. This includes enterprise space of 800,000 sq.ft., an hotel, recreational facilities and plans to create up to 2,000 jobs.

I am satisfied that the combined efforts of the Industrial Development agencies and local area interests will continue to bring new investment and job opportunities to both Mallow and Co. Cork generally. Already in 2007, there have been new job announcements for Cork including Glaxo Smith Kline which is to create 150 jobs, Abtran which is to create 100 jobs and De Care Systems which is also to create 100 jobs.

Personal Injuries Assessment Board.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

19 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of cases currently before the Personal Injuries Assessment Board; the number of cases for which rulings have been given since its inception; the number of these cases that have been referred to the Courts for further action or appeal; the number of staff currently employed by the PIAB; the intended total number of staff to be employed by the PIAB; the date by which he expects the PIAB to be fully staffed; the date on which a review will be undertaken on staffing levels in the PIAB; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15470/07]

At the end of March 2007 there were 6,307 cases with the PIAB in the 90-day "consent to process" period i.e. PIAB has received a claim and has issued formal notice to the responding party and is awaiting consent to process from that party. There were a further 5,238 cases in the nine-month statutory assessment process, where the responding party has indicated that liability is not contested and damages are being assessed. It should be noted that arising from a deadline of 30th March 2007 imposed by the reduction from 3 to 2 years in the statute of limitation in personal injury cases, volumes of claims in PIAB in the 90-day "consent to process" period have increased significantly. The PIAB has indicated that it has sufficient resources in place to deal with the increase.

Approximately 9,300 assessments have been made to date, 6,500 of these having been issued by the end of 2006. Of the assessments issued 4,976 have been accepted, 3,011 have been rejected and authorised to proceed to litigation, and responses are awaited on the balance.

Some of the rejected assessments will have been resolved since PIAB involvement and others will proceed to the Courts. The PIAB would not be aware of the number of these cases which actually proceed to litigation, although it is believed that a significant proportion are settled outside of the Courts once an authorisation issues from the PIAB.

The Board currently employs 76 staff members (up from 53 in May 2006) and is in the process of recruiting to bring numbers towards the staffing level of 85 agreed with my Department. There are no plans at this time to further review staffing levels in the PIAB.

Labour Inspectorate.

Dan Boyle

Question:

20 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the data recording and analysis system in operation in the Labour Inspectorate, including the specific types and level of data collected, the records kept of employers found in breach of employment legislation, the analyses carried out, and the results that have been generated therefrom. [15610/07]

The data recording and analysis system for recording case information within the Labour Inspectorate is known as RECONCILE. This system captures data and information inputted by Labour Inspectors arising from inspections into compliance with certain employment rights legislation and manages case workflow in terms of production of standard documentation and the logging of communications and contacts.

The system holds a database of breaches under the legislation in which the Inspectorate has an interest and relevant employer and employee information relating to such breaches. Information stored and tracked as part of a case includes employer names, trading names, legal entity names, addresses, business sector details, trading status, employees names and Personal Public Service (PPS) numbers, any breaches examined and detected during the inspection, the legislation under which the inspection was carried out, the amount of arrears owed, the case outcome and details of communications and contacts with employers, employees and other parties connected to the case.

Insofar as analysis is concerned the system generates a number of standard reports to facilitate case management and workflow, management reporting and, in the case of initiation of prosecutions, referral to the Chief State Solicitor's Office.

The RECONCILE system is currently being reviewed to examine that its functionality and capabilities, insofar as the requirements of the enhanced Labour Inspectorate and, in due course, the new employment rights compliance model, are being met.

Finally, certain records and data collected during the course of inspections, which do not lend themselves to inputting and/or scanning to the case management system, are held separately on individual case files.

Employment Rights.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

21 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views, in view of the stark difference in the number of work permits issued to Romanian and Bulgarian nationals as against the number of PPS numbers issued to Romanian and Bulgarian nationals in 2007, on whether there is a significant problem of so called false contracting being used to exploit such workers; the steps he is taking to ensure that workers are not exploited through incorrect use of contracts to avoid employers’ duties and responsibilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15458/07]

Nationals of Romania and Bulgaria may only come to Ireland to be employed by an employer if they are the subject of an employment permit application. Up to 24th April, 2007 of this year, 18 new employment permits were issued in respect of Romanian nationals, and 5 new employment permits in respect of Bulgarian nationals.

I understand that the Department of Social and Family Affairs issued 6,877 PPS numbers up to 14th April, 2007 to Romanian nationals and 327 to Bulgarian nationals. Since January, when 3,237 PPS numbers were issued to Romanian nationals and 110 to Bulgarian nationals, there has been a steady downward trend in the number of PPS numbers issued, with 1,216 issued to Romanians and 88 to Bulgarians in March, and 419 issued to Romanians and 19 to Bulgarians for the first 2 weeks of April, 2007.

Under EU rules nationals of Romania and Bulgaria may come to Ireland and set up a business here and be self-employed. However, the self employment must be genuine.

A major package of measures has been agreed by the parties to Towards 2016, the new Social Partnership Agreement, to provide for enhanced public confidence in the system of employment rights compliance. New legislation will be published by my Department later this year which will empower the Labour Inspectorate to join with the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Revenue Commissioners to work together in Joint Investigation Units. Such units will have a particular focus on the employment status of workers. In addition, Sections 31 and 38 of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2007 (No. 8) provide for exchanges of employment information between the Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment/the National Employment Rights Authority and the Minister for Social and Family Affairs and the Revenue Commissioners so as to facilitate Joint Investigations of employments suspected of contravening the law.

I am informed by the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Revenue Commissioners that attention is paid by them to the matter of bogus self employment in the course of their compliance activities and appropriate action taken. Complaints in relation to bogus self-employment should be referred to all or any of the following – the Labour Inspectorate of the National Employment Rights Authority, the Department of Social and Family Affairs or the Revenue Commissioners.

New legislation, to be published by my Department later this year, will provide for enhanced employment rights measures including the establishment of the National Employment Rights Authority, which has already been established on an interim basis. Providing for greater clarity in the application of employment rights legislation to employees and the self-employed will be considered in the context of drawing up that legislation.

The package of measures provided for under Towards 2016 will be supported by enhanced employment rights promotional and educational efforts. The Social Partners and other organisations such as the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Revenue Commissioners will be invited to bring their knowledge and networks to bear on the design and delivery of this education and awareness programme which, it is anticipated, will also address the issues associated with bogus self-employment.

Towards 2016 also includes a number of other specific commitments in relation to employment status and in relation to the "Hidden Economy". The Government and social partners have agreed under Towards 2016 to review the application of the existing Code of Practice on employee status with a view to more effective implementation. My Department will be actively involved in that review. In addition, the Government and the social partners agreed under Towards 2016 to continue and expand the Hidden Economy Working Group, which comprises representatives of Office of the Revenue Commissioners, the Department of Social and Family Affairs, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, the Irish Business and Employers Confederation, the Small Firms Association and the Construction Industry Federation.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Jack Wall

Question:

22 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he has taken to offset the carbon emissions of his State car; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15477/07]

The Government recently published the National Climate Change Strategy 2007 to 2012. The strategy reiterates the target, set in the White Paper "Delivering a Sustainable Energy Future for Ireland", of 33% energy savings across the public sector and commits the Government to the introduction of an Energy Efficiency Programme, with targets and standards, for Government Departments, State Agencies, Local Authorities, the Health Service and the public sector overall. Every public service organisation will be required to adopt specific targets for reducing emissions, and to measure and report progress in their annual reports. In addition, the Strategy requires Government Departments to offset carbon emissions resulting from official air travel. However, the strategy does not contain specific requirements for Government Departments to offset carbon emissions from the use of State cars. The management of the fleet of State cars is, of course, the responsibility of the Garda Síochána. My Department will be adopting measures in line with the strategy to reduce its carbon emissions. The approach is to take measures which will reduce the overall emissions of the Department, rather than to identify individual causes of greenhouse gas emissions and individually seek to offset emissions on an item by item basis.

Labour Inspectorate.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

23 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of labour inspectors currently employed by the Labour Inspectorate of his Department; the number of labour inspectors currently available for assignment on normal duties; the number of labour inspectors currently in training following recruitment; the status of the recruitment campaign to increase the Labour Inspectorate to 90 inspectors; if he expects all 59 additional labour inspectors to be employed by the second quarter of 2007, as indicated in his previous statements to the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15464/07]

Under the National Social Partnership Agreement "Towards 2016", the commitment to staffing of the Labour Inspectorate is "to progressively increase the number of Labour Inspectors from 31 to 90 by end-2007". The necessary arrangements and selection processes to recruit the additional Inspectors are well advanced, including arrangements for the recruitment of ten Labour Inspectors with specialist language skills. There are now 38 Inspectors employed by the Labour Inspectorate, seven of whom are in training following their appointment to the Labour Inspectorate on 16 April last. The total staff complement of NERA is currently 83.

In accordance with the commitment given in Towards 2016, it is expected that the remaining 52 Labour Inspectors will be in place by end-2007.

Industrial Development.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

24 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has assisted smaller manufacturing firms to realise the potential of information technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15562/07]

A National eBusiness strategy was launched by my colleague Michael Ahern T.D., Minister of State with responsibility for Trade and Commerce in December 2004. The strategy outlines actions required to assist SMEs, including micro-enterprises, and particularly those in the non-ICT producing sectors of the economy, to use ICTs in a way that will maximise their competitive advantage. The strategy covers four broad areas: How to build ICT management and user skills; Supports by the development agencies; Provision of information; and Performance monitoring and research.

At the implementation level, the State Development agencies under the auspices of my Department are now well engaged in providing support to companies to maximise the benefits of ICT.

Enterprise Ireland is heavily engaged in mainstreaming eBusiness within manufacturing firms in Ireland and in particular among small and medium sized companies — and, to that end, the unit dedicated to eBusiness is undertaking a wide range of activities. These activities include the following: Embedding ICT management skills in SMEs; Knowledge Events; Building awareness of the impact of new technologies on businesses; Promoting the use of ICT as marketing and sales channel; Conducting ICT reviews with client companies as part of overall business reviews; and Improving access for SMEs to top class ICT business consultants.

Enterprise Ireland has introduced the eBusiness Management Initiative for clients which provides support for eBusiness management training and consultancy, which builds on the success of previous initiatives. The objective of the programme is to improve the productivity and competitiveness of small and medium sized companies through the absorption of appropriate Information and Communication Technologies and the development of ICT management skills. The programme has a budget of €1 million euro and will run until the end of 2007.

Enterprise Ireland, through its dedicated eBusiness web site and electronic newsletter raises awareness and disseminates knowledge about the impact of ICT developments at a business level. Enterprise Ireland also promotes the marketing and sales opportunities presented by new technologies such as the European initiative eMarketservices

The County and City Enterprise Boards, which also operate under the aegis of my Department, provide a considerable amount of support to manufacturing firms in the micro-enterprise sector. These supports can take the form of financial assistance for start-ups and expansions as well as other softer forms of assistance such as training and mentoring. A focus on realizing the potential of information technology would often be a key element of such interventions.

In addition, I have today launched the Tech-Check programme which will also be delivered by the CEBs. The programme will enable small businesses to access a highly subsidized review of their use of technology by independent experts including recommendations for the future use of technology appropriate to the individual firm. This programme has been devised in line with a recommendation by the Small Business Forum that the State should make a programme of ICT Audits available to the small business sector in order to promote the greater use of ICT within the sector.

Additionally, I launched the Innovation Vouchers initiative in March this year, which is also based on a recommendation by the Small Business Forum, and is being administered by Enterprise Ireland. Innovation Vouchers give small companies access to the vast knowledge available in Irish Institutes of Technology, Universities and other public research bodies. The vouchers, worth €5,000 each, can be exchanged for advice and expertise, including in the area of information technology, from an Irish research provider and used by small Irish companies to bring in knowledge that is new to that company.

The Government is fully committed to ensuring that the application of ICT is fully utilised by Irish companies and we will continue to provide support and assistance going forward.

Local Authority Schemes.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

25 Mr. O’Dowd asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the role he played in limiting the ability of local authorities to impose punitive charges on local businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15553/07]

The Planning and Development Act 2000 set out a framework to facilitate an updating and modernisation of development contribution schemes by Local Authorities. Under section 48 of this Act, elected members of Local Authorities are empowered to adopt a scheme of development contributions following a public consultation process. To assist these new arrangements for development contribution schemes, the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government also issues guidelines to local authorities. All local authorities implemented new arrangements by March 2004. The first of these schemes will fall to be reviewed over the next year or so.

Arising from concerns raised by the Small Business Forum and others about the level and range of Development Contributions levied by Local Authorities I raised this matter with my colleague, the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government. An Inter-Departmental Committee was then set up to look at the broad operation of locally determined development contribution schemes and the related development contribution guidelines. I understand that the report of the Group will be published shortly following which revised Guidelines may issue to Local Authorities.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Jack Wall

Question:

26 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the carbon footprint of each of the agencies under the remit of his Department for 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15476/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

33 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he is taking to minimise the carbon footprint of agencies under the remit of his Department; the carbon auditing that has been undertaken by agencies under the remit of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15460/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 33 together.

Agencies under the remit of my Department are conscious of the need to achieve a high level of energy efficiency. Although there is no formal policy in place in relation to energy efficiency in most of the agencies, a number have undertaken efficiency surveys and carbon footprint audits to ensure efficiency measures are met.

A number of buildings occupied by agencies are leased and therefore the agencies would have no direct control in the efficiency measures applied at the time these buildings were originally fitted out: However, newer premises either leased or bought will have stipulated sustainable energy efficiency measures such as optimising heating and lighting controls and water saving measures in their fit out requirements. Waste recycling is also standard practice throughout all buildings occupied by the agencies. Staff are encouraged to video or call conference rather than travel to official meetings, and wherever feasible to use public transport.

The recently published National Climate Change strategy 2007-2012 sets out measures to be adopted by the Civil and Public Sector to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Theses include a requirement that each public sector body adopt greenhouse gas reduction targets, and measure and report progress on achieving these targets in their annual reports.

Job Losses.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

27 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he has taken to combat job relocation from here to more competitive economies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15606/07]

Vibrant, successful and growing economies have strong flows of capital investment as firms decide where it is optimum to invest and locate different aspects of their value chain. In this context and with the extending influence of globalisation, every major economy of the European Union experiences both inflows and outflows of plants and jobs. There will always be changes to firms' production capacity as companies react to market signals or changing circumstances in their individual product sectors.

The Irish economy is no different from other developed economies. However, what sets us apart is our ability to replace lost jobs with alternative skilled and rewarding employment.

Our best response to the realities of globalisation is to ensure that Ireland remains attractive for investment from increasingly higher value added products and services, and for broad based enterprise growth. Enterprise support policies have consistently evolved to meet the needs of both foreign direct investment and growth orientated indigenous firms. This flexible and adaptable approach to sustaining a competitive enterprise environment will not change.

Industrial Development.

Martin Ferris

Question:

28 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to implement a programme of affirmative action and other support for businesses and enterprises with particular focus on redressing the imbalance in gender, regional, rural and social participation and start-ups operating in the Irish language; the mechanisms of proposed plans; the dates on which these will be effected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15627/07]

The County and City Enterprise Boards are the principal government agencies at local level with responsibility for enterprise promotion and micro business development. The key objectives of the Boards are to stimulate and promote local enterprise culture and entrepreneurship and to assist new business start-ups and the expansion and growth of existing small business.

The Enterprise Boards pursue these objectives by providing a number of crucial services to businesses and individuals across a diverse range of sectors, including a business information service, business mentoring, business consultancy, business training programmes, and various business networking opportunities. Financial assistance may, subject to some conditions, also be offered to assist with business start-up or business expansion.

The fact that the Boards operate at the local level throughout the country means that their interventions are targeted at assisting businesses, and those who are planning to establish businesses, in local communities including those in rural areas. In this way, the CEBs are making a significant contribution to ensuring balanced regional development.

Women, who are currently under-represented in the labour force and in business ownership, are significant beneficiaries of the interventions delivered by the CEBs representing, for example, some 60% of participants on CEB organised training events. In addition to their mainstream activities, the CEBs also provide some dedicated interventions aimed at women such as their support for Women in Business networks that operate throughout the country.

Enterprise supports in the Gaeltacht areas are provided by Údarás na Gaeltachta, which comes under the aegis of my colleague, Minister Ó Cuív, Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

Question No. 29 answered with QuestionNo. 18.

EU Directives.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

30 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of EU Directives for which his Department has responsibility remaining to be implemented; the directives that are overdue; the number of reasoned opinions received from the EU Commission since 2002 regarding delays or non-implementation of such directives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15472/07]

There are currently a total of sixteen Directives due to be transposed by my Department up to 2010. Four of these Directives are overdue and the following is the position with regard to implementation progress. Directive 2004/22/EC of 31 March 2004 concerning harmonisation of measuring instruments had a transposition deadline of 30 April 2006 and has an expected date of implementation of 27 April 2007. Directive 2003/72/EC supplementing the Statute for a European Cooperative Society with regard to the involvement of employees had a transposition deadline of 18 August 2006 and has an expected date of implementation of 15 May 2007. Directive 2006/109/EC adapting Directive 94/45/EC on the establishment of a European Works Council reason of the accession of Bulgaria and Romania had a transposition deadline of 1 January 2007 and has an expected date of implementation of 29 September 2007. Directive 2004/109/EC on minimum transparency requirements for listed companies had a transposition deadline of 20 January 2007 and has an expected date of implementation of 30 May 2007.

Another five Directives are due for transposition during 2007 and seven further Directives are scheduled to be transposed in 2008 and subsequent years.

My Department has received 23 Reasoned Opinions from the European Commission related to overdue Directives since 2002. The outstanding issues concerning all but one of the Directives have been resolved satisfactorily. Proceedings are ongoing in the European Court of Justice in relation to a finding against Ireland for incorrect transposition of Directive 92/100/EC related to rental rights and lending rights in the field of intellectual property. Corrective measures are being taken in the context of draft legislation to introduce a public lending right. On 16 April the Copyrights and Related Acts (Amendment) Bill 2007 was published. This bill will be introduced to the Oireachtas as soon as possible.

Trade Missions.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

31 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on plans for a trade mission to Egypt and Jordan in 2007; if it is intended that there be a Ministerial delegation as part of this trade mission; the estimated cost of the trade mission; his goals and targets for the trade mission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15465/07]

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

40 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on plans for a trade mission to Bulgaria in 2007; if it is intended that there be a Ministerial delegation as part of this trade mission; the estimated cost of the trade mission; his goals and targets for the trade mission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15462/07]

Brendan Howlin

Question:

66 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will report on plans for a trade mission to Russia in 2007; if it is intended that there be a Ministerial delegation as part of this trade mission; the estimated cost of the trade mission; his goals and targets for the trade mission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15457/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 31, 40 and 66 together.

It is planned to run Ministerial-led, separate, Trade Missions to Russia, Bulgaria and Egypt (but not Jordan), later this year. These missions will be organised by Enterprise Ireland (EI), to support the business development work of that Agency for their client companies by: Winning access for EI and EI clients to key decision-makers and influencers in target sectors; Helping the companies to consolidate existing business relationships and open new ones; Projecting Ireland as a competitive source of world class expertise, products and business partnership, and building on the positive impression of Ireland's economic success in the countries concerned; enhancing relationships between Ireland and the destination countries at business and Government levels; and providing a networking framework to encourage the companies to exchange experience and contacts.

These three trade missions will include a comprehensive schedule of engagements, meetings between the Irish companies and target customers, a series of political meetings, meeting Irish interests in those countries and the hosting of a key networking event. This event will bring together the Irish companies, their customers (existing and new), and senior business contacts of EI.

In relation to the likely budget for these missions, it is not possible at this early stage to quantify the exact costs.

The Goals and Targets for the missions are as follows: Contribute to Enterprise Ireland's strategic objectives of increasing Irish client company exports by €3 billion by end 2007, by facilitating business meetings between Irish suppliers and local partners and customers resulting in increased exports to these markets; Assist EI's High Potential Start Up clients, by enabling them to invite key target customers to the EI events and to network with larger customers; Assist Enterprise Ireland in developing new business contacts with foreign buyers in key strategic sectors; Network with other Irish companies and individuals successfully doing business in those countries; Allow first time visitors the opportunity to assess how these countries can fit into their company's business growth strategy; and Raise the profile of Ireland through the participation of an Irish Government Minister in the events during the Mission. Some of these markets are heavily influenced by political considerations, which make the participation by a Minister highly valued by the companies, as a means of enhancing their business relationships. This is especially important in markets where a significant proportion of decision-making and expenditure of interest to Irish companies is by companies which are government controlled, thus Government access via Ministerial led trade missions is vitally important.

Company Closures.

Willie Penrose

Question:

32 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the action he proposes to take to bring replacement jobs and investment to Ballivor in particular and County Meath in general following the closure of the NEC plant; the reason the Government has apparently abandoned County Meath in its job creation and investment schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15455/07]

Following the closure of the plant in question, finding alternative employment for the area and the county was a priority for the Industrial Development agencies. In this regard, a major financial services project which will provide 700 jobs was announced for Navan in 2006. This project will be of significant benefit to the whole county. Another financial services company, which announced the creation of 290 jobs in 2005, commenced operations in Navan last October having recruited 50 people for this location.

The facility in Ballivor is being promoted for new investment and three potential investors have been introduced to the management of this facility. The Development agencies continue to work with local interests to facilitate job opportunities for Ballivor and the surrounding area. Indeed, I understand that a significant number of the former employees in Ballivor have found alternative employment with IDA Ireland supported companies in the Midlands and East.

Question No. 33 answered with QuestionNo. 26.

National Minimum Wage.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

34 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position of the investigation on the disclosure that Polish workers employed by a contractor at the ESB power station in Moneypoint were being paid well below the national minimum wage; the sanctions or penalties available against companies in such situations; the measures taken by his Department to date to ensure full compliance with all labour standards by all contractors particularly those working for State companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15471/07]

Following the identification, in early 2006, of anomalies in the employment contracts of some sub-contracted staff at the Moneypoint Environmental Retrofit Project (MERP) site, both the ESB and the Labour Inspectorate conducted investigations into the matter. As a result of these investigations a Memorandum of Understanding between the ESB, the contractor and sub-contractor was agreed in March, 2006 providing, among other matters, for the payment of the appropriate industry rates, and the associated arrears, to the workers concerned. Contractors Administration Services (CAS), who are retained by the ESB to monitor payment and employment conditions at the Moneypoint site, have confirmed that these rates continue to be applied to the relevant workers.

The ESB is satisfied that the monitoring of the conditions of employment for contracted and sub-contracted staff at the Moneypoint site is working effectively in terms of ensuring that workers are remunerated in accordance with the agreed industry standards and bringing immediate attention to, and taking prompt action to address, any discrepancies that arise.

The Labour Inspectorate's role has been to ensure that statutory minimum rates of pay and other conditions of employment for the workers involved are adhered to, that any breaches of the legislation that arise are rectified and any arrears paid. Ultimately the Labour Inspectorate may initiate proceedings against employers in relation to such breaches. Employees also have access to the Rights Commissioner Service or the Labour Court in this regard.

I share the Deputy's concern to ensure that that Irish employment rights legislation is applied in full insofar as employees engaged on Public contracts are concerned. In this regard, assurances were sought in March last year from all State Agencies that the statutory terms applicable to all workers in Ireland, regardless of nationality, were being adhered to in relation to all public contracts involving the supply of labour.

The Deputy will also be aware that the National Partnership Agreement, Towards 2016, provides for a number of measures designed to enhance employment rights compliance. The new National Employment Rights Authority has been established on an interim basis while work is progressing on new employment rights legislation. A reconfiguration of the Labour Inspectorate is planned which will see its resources almost treble together with a process of regionalisation being implemented. In tandem with these activities a major programme of ‘Education and Awareness' in respect of employment rights entitlements and obligations is to be researched and delivered.

The Government also signalled, in the context of the National Partnership talks, that the issue of better compliance with employment law was a high priority. This led, among other matters, to an agreement among the Social Partners on the importance of public procurement policy as a mechanism for contributing to the maintenance of employment standards and norms, including in respect of wage levels, while also ensuring competitive tendering and value for money in public expenditure. A number of specific measures were agreed in Towards 2016 insofar as supporting employment rights through public procurement is concerned.

I would urge those who may have information in relation to possible breaches of employment rights legislation to contact the Labour Inspectorate of the new National Employment Rights Authority.

Departmental Staff.

Joan Burton

Question:

35 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there has been a negative impact on the work of his Department or its agencies from the Government’s Public Service Staffing Reduction Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15459/07]

There has not been a negative impact on the work of my Department and the Agencies under the aegis of my Department arising from the Government's Public Service Staffing Reduction Programme. All services carried out by my Department and Agencies have been maintained to the highest standard.

National Consumer Agency.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

36 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the National Consumer Agency is accessible to all people who have queries or complaints by low cost calls or by website; if not the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15561/07]

The National Consumer Agency operates a Lo-Call helpline number 1890 432 432 from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm Monday through Friday to assist consumers in relation to queries or complaints. The Agency also provides comprehensive consumer information and advice on its website at www.consumerconnect.ie. Consumers can email their queries or complaints to ask@consumerconnect.ie.

The Consumer Strategy Group recommended that the provision of easily accessible information and advice should be a core function of any new consumer agency. It was for this reason that the NCA identified the establishment of a low cost helpline and the development of a web-based information portal as priorities for the new Agency. I commend the NCA on the speed in which it has established these important consumer information facilities and I am confident that they will be recognized and used as a valuable resource by consumers themselves.

Regulatory Programme.

Damien English

Question:

37 Mr. English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of times he has published specific annual reports on reducing the regulatory burden; if he has published none, the reason this is so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15555/07]

Dan Boyle

Question:

44 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the evidence from Benchmarking Ireland’s Performance that the effectiveness and quality of Ireland’s labour market regulation has fallen three places in OECD rankings since 2000; if he supports the European Commission’s proposal to reduce administrative costs by 25% by 2012; and, if so, the way he will achieve such a reduction. [15609/07]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

47 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason his Department failed to act on the report of the Joint Enterprise Committee published in April 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15550/07]

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

57 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on whether he has presided over a regulatory framework that is flexible, proportionate and up to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15552/07]

Richard Bruton

Question:

68 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the work he has done to reduce the regulatory burden on SMEs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15559/07]

Liam Twomey

Question:

69 Dr. Twomey asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his view of the recommendations of the report of the Joint Committee on Enterprise published in April 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15551/07]

Denis Naughten

Question:

75 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount by which the regulatory burden has grown on business over the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15556/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 37, 44, 47, 57, 68, 69 and 75 together.

International benchmarking reports suggest that the regulatory burden in Ireland is relatively light. The IMD (International Institute for Management Development) World Competitiveness Yearbook 2006 ranks Ireland 8th out of 61 countries surveyed for the extent to which bureaucracy does not hinder business activity. The World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report 2006-07 ranks Ireland 17th out of 125 countries surveyed for having a low burden of government regulation. The World Bank's ‘Doing Business' report for 2006 ranked Ireland 10 out of 175 countries in terms of ease of starting and running a business.

While it appears, therefore, that Ireland enjoys a relatively favourable position, it remains important that every effort be made to maintain and improve this position, that the concerns of business are addressed on an ongoing basis, and that, Ireland's economy remains competitive.

To that end, in November 2005 I established the Business Regulation Forum to advise on any changes necessary to ensure that existing or proposed regulations, impacting on business, meet the criteria set out in the Government White Paper "Regulating Better". The White Paper, published by the Department of the Taoiseach in 2004, set out an action programme to ensure that regulations are more rigorously assessed, more easily accessible and better understood.

The Business Regulation Forum included a number of business representatives, who gave their views on regulatory burdens directly. Research was also undertaken by the Forum into business experiences with regulation in Ireland. The Forum received more than 40 submissions from businesses. It also completed six in-depth business case studies by interviewing business people about their day-to-day experience of the regulatory burden. The Forum also drew on other research and reports such as the ESRI Business Regulation Survey (carried out on behalf of the Dept of the Taoiseach) and the report of the Small Business Forum.

Yesterday I launched the report of the Business Regulation Forum. The Forum identified five areas of regulation that impose the biggest administrative burden on the business sector, i.e. Taxation, Health and Safety, Environment, Statistics and Employment & Company Law and recommended that a reduction programme be carried out to lower the burden on business in these areas.

To take this work forward, including the development of a response to the European Council invitation to Member States to set a target for reducing administrative burdens, I have asked the Secretary-General of my Department, to lead a cross-Department and Agency effort, in consultation with the business sector and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, focussing on the priority areas identified.

Specifically in relation to labour market regulation, Ireland strongly supports the thrust of policies which seek to ensure that the appropriate regulatory environment is in place. A key objective in the formulation and development of Irish employment rights legislation is that of ensuring that across all sectors it continues to be appropriate to the changing needs of our economy and society. Our aim is to create a balance between the twin goals of effective protection of workers' rights and the streamlining of obligations placed on businesses.

Third Level Institutions.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

38 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he has taken during his time in office to enable small businesses in the manufacturing and internationally traded service sectors to gain access to research based knowledge, expertise and facilities in higher education institutes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15560/07]

It is vitally important to ensure that supports are available to help companies achieve successful R&D results through interfacing with third level institutions and other potential solution providers.

A broad range of collaboration supports is made available through Enterprise Ireland. This includes the Innovation Vouchers scheme, which I recently launched, which give small companies access to the vast knowledge available in Irish Institutes of Technology, Universities and other public research bodies. The vouchers, worth €5,000 each, can be exchanged for advice and expertise from an Irish research provider and used by small Irish companies to bring in knowledge that is new to that company.

Further key collaboration supports provided through Enterprise Ireland include the Applied Research Enhancement Scheme and Industry Led Networks. The Applied Research Enhancement Scheme provides funding for the establishment of applied research centres in Institutes of Technology. These centres aim to build sufficient research scale to allow them to make an impact on industry in their locality through collaboration. The Industry Led Networks programme provides support for research in areas defined by networks of companies in specific industry sectors and creates collaboration between the companies and researchers in order to ensure the transfer of technology. Particular efforts are made to involve SMEs.

The total Enterprise Ireland budget targeted at supporting industry R&D collaboration with higher education institutes is €22.5m in 2007. These programmes are being implemented as part of a suite of measures being introduced to achieve the targets set out in the Government's Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation 2006 – 2013. Enhanced R&D activity will help ensure high-value, knowledge intensive activities that will support high-value added jobs and prosperity in the future.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

39 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the carbon footprint of his Department for 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15474/07]

The carbon footprint of my Department for 2006 is not available. Greenhouse gas emissions attributable to the public sector in general, arise from energy use in public sector buildings. These are not reported on separately in the annual Environment Protection Agency's National Inventory Report but are included in the emissions from the Industry, Commercial and Services sector. Specific data for the public sector in general and for my Department in particular are, therefore, not available for 2006. However, under the National Climate Change Strategy 2007 – 2012 it is understood that specific data on greenhouse gas emissions will be collated from now on in respect of the public sector in general by the Environment Protection Agency and my Department will liaise with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in the matter.

Question No. 40 answered with QuestionNo. 31.

Willie Penrose

Question:

41 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he is taking to offset the carbon emissions caused by official travel of Ministers and staff of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15480/07]

I presume the Deputy's question relates to air travel. As outlined in the National Climate Change Strategy 2007 – 2012, the Government, pending the inclusion of aviation in the Emissions Trading Scheme, has decided that it will voluntarily introduce a carbon-offsetting scheme for all air travel on Government business, including flights by Ministers and by civil servants, from the beginning of the Kyoto commitment period in January 2008. Practical arrangements will be put in place to enable each Department to compute annually the emissions associated with its air travel and to make a contribution to an appropriate fund to secure verified emission reductions of an equivalent amount. My Department will, of course, comply with this Government decision.

Economic Competitiveness.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

42 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has identified the issues affecting a lack of competitiveness in the economy; the steps he has taken or proposes to take to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15605/07]

Sustaining a strong enterprise environment is key to competitiveness for modern economies. Having enterprise policies that are flexible and evolve with business need is equally important. This ensures that Ireland is a profitable and secure location in which to invest is equally important.

A number of important advisory groups such as the Small Business Forum, the Enterprise Strategy Group and the Business Regulation Group have identified a range of competitiveness issues across their different areas of focus. My Department's enterprise support objectives include making sure that implementing these recommendations takes place as a priority. Initiatives to improve competitiveness wherever possible are a priority both for my Department and its enterprise development agencies.

Complementing the work of these advisory groups, the National Competitiveness Council (NCC) gives us an annual competitiveness health check. The reports and findings of the NCC are considered by Government and inform action-orientated follow-up across the relevant Government Departments.

Personal Injuries Assessment Board.

Eamon Ryan

Question:

43 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the communication he has had with the Personal Injury Assessment Board regarding the preference of many claimants for court action over PIAB awards in the hope of larger compensation packages; his views on whether amending legislation is necessary to arrest this trend; and, if so, the expected publication date and statutory provisions of the legislation. [15607/07]

Personal Injuries Assessment Board awards mirror Court Awards, as both refer to a Book of Quantum to determine the appropriate award to be given. Some claimants, as is their right, choose to reject the award and commence litigation proceedings in the hope of receiving greater compensation. I have no proposals to interfere with this right.

The PIAB is a new body that has significantly changed the environment for making personal injuries claims. It was always expected that a certain proportion of assessments would be rejected and my Department is regularly briefed by the PIAB on the level of acceptance of PIAB assessments. Approximately 9,300 assessments have been made to date, 6,500 of these having being made by the end of 2006. Of the assessments issued 4,976 have been accepted, 3,011 have been rejected and authorized to proceed to litigation and responses are awaited on the balance. Some of the rejected assessments will have been resolved since PIAB involvement and others will proceed to the Courts.

However, notwithstanding the foregoing, I am proposing to publish legislation shortly to give effect to a Joint Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise and Small Business recommendation that where, not having accepted a PIAB award, the subsequent court award is not greater than the PIAB award, legal costs should not be allowed to the claimant.

Question No. 44 answered with QuestionNo. 37.

FÁS Training Programmes.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

45 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way he has ensured that the present apprenticeship programmes for which he has responsibility have been kept responsive, competitive and productive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15558/07]

I am very conscious of the need to ensure that all our training programmes, not just the apprenticeship programmes are kept responsive, competitive and productive in order to ensure that the Irish labour force is capable of meeting the future skills demands of employers.

FÁS has the statutory responsibility for the organisation and control of designated apprenticeship by the powers conferred on it by the Industrial Training Act 1967 and the Labour Services Act 1987. It operates the Statutory Apprenticeship system in co-operation with the Department of Education and Science, employers and unions.

The National Apprenticeship Advisory Committee oversees the development of the standards based process and advises the Board of FÁS on all matters pertaining to apprenticeship. This committee is made up of representatives of the social partners in industry, the educational sector and FÁS.

In 2003 the National Apprenticeship Advisory Committee commissioned an independent consultant to examine the relevance of the existing Standards Based Apprenticeship system against contemporary requirements. Arising from this examination process the N.A.A.C. decided to conduct a comprehensive review of the 26 designated apprenticeships in 2003.

Nominated social partner, educational and FÁS technical experts reviewed each individual apprenticeship. Following the curricula re-design phase a comprehensive, structured and inclusive consultation process was initiated by the National Apprenticeship Advisory Committee.

As a consequence of this process the National Apprenticeship Advisory Committee presented recommendations to the FÁS Board for approval on 26 different recommendations. On receiving FÁS Board approval, FÁS commenced the implementation of the revised curricula into the training and educational system on a phased basis in 2006.

FÁS is also currently engaged in developing potentially new occupational apprenticeships in partnership with the appropriate sector stakeholders. To assist this process the National Apprenticeship Advisory Committee convened a number of workshops to develop and agree a framework for the future designation of new apprenticeship occupations.

Equality Issues.

Seán Ryan

Question:

46 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he is taking to ensure better and more equal access to the workforce for older persons who wish to continue working; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15469/07]

The Employment Equality Acts 1998 and 2004, administered by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, among other things, protects against discrimination on the ground of age in relation to access to employment. However, they also permit an employer to decide on a retirement age in a particular employment to give flexibility to employers and employees, having due regard to the nature of the work being performed.

There is no age discrimination in employment rights legislation and there are no provisions in employment or equality law that impose a compulsory retirement age in relation to employment.

In addition, the Equality Act 2004 removed the upper age limit of 66 for bringing claims under the Unfair Dismissals Acts 1977-2005. The removal of the age cap of 66 years for statutory redundancy is also included in the recently published Protection of Employment Bill 2007.

Ireland has experienced a significant rise in the employment of older workers in the past 10 years with the employment rate rising by 10%. The employment rate for older workers is 53%, which is already ahead of the EU target for 2010 of 50%.

The March FÁS/ESRI job vacancy data indicate that the demand for labour remains strong. The survey indicates that employers anticipate a rise in their current employment levels over the coming months. This will help to increase employment levels across all age groups including older workers. In addition, employment rates among the lower age groups are high and this will feed through to higher employment rates for older workers in the future.

In the light of the continuing demand for labour, emphasis is being placed on encouraging people including older workers to return to or remain in employment. Initiatives taken in this regard include: The Preventive Process, whereby those on the live register are referred to FÁS for assistance, was extended to those aged 55-64 on a national basis in 2006, with the live register period for referral being reduced from six months to three months; The Community Employment scheme was extended, since 2004, to allow for those over 55 years of age to avail of a six-year period to engage in useful work and training within their community; and Expanding the Workforce provides a gateway for women returnees into the labour market. Many of these women fall within the older age groups.

In addition, FÁS offers training courses suited to the needs of both jobseekers looking for employment and employees wishing to improve their skills. Increased funding has been allocated to FÁS to enhance training for those in employment, including older workers, under the One-Step-Up Initiative, as well as to the independent Skillnets Training Networks Programme. This will allow workers the opportunity to acquire new skills (including portable skills) and competencies so as to perform higher added-value tasks. Training is being focused on those with low level of qualification and in low-level occupations so that they are better prepared and more inclined to stay in the labour market.

Question No. 47 answered with QuestionNo. 37.

Work Permits.

Liz McManus

Question:

48 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on claims that there are anomalies with regard to the administration of the work permits scheme in regard to non-EU doctors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12004/07]

Temporary Registered Doctors are granted permission from the Garda National Immigration Bureau to live and work in the State for up to 7 years. The changing short-term nature of their work patterns is such that this is the best way to facilitate them working here. For countries that are visa required the doctor must, in support of their application for a visa, be able to provide documentation from the Medical Council stating that he/she is eligible for temporary registration. They must also furnish a letter from a hospital in Ireland confirming an offer of employment. Finally they will need a passport valid for at least 12 months. By the end of 7 years they must have passed an examination to obtain full registration with the Medical Council. Failing full registration they must leave the State.

Energy Consumption.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

49 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the action taken by his Department and its agencies to date to ensure maximum energy efficiency and minimum carbon footprint in their daily operations; the cost of these actions; the steps he will take in the remainder of the first half of 2007 toward the goal of reducing energy consumption in his Department and its agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15435/07]

To reduce energy consumption in the Department and to ensure maximum energy efficiency and the minimum carbon footprint in its daily operations, my Department through its Green Team, which was established some years ago, has over the past few years initiated the following actions:

Ensured that all lighting in the Department's eight buildings is switched off overnight;

Ensured that the Office of Public Works, which looks after the replacement of electric light bulbs in my Department's buildings, uses energy efficient bulbs and long life bulbs wherever possible when electric light bulbs are being replaced;

Ensured that the central heating arrangements for the Department's buildings are switched on and off to achieve optimum energy efficiency;

Ensured that the staff in the Department have been exhorted to:

1.switch off all their computer equipment (base units, monitors and peripheral devices) at the end of each working day;

2.switch off their PC monitors at lunch time and while attending meetings etc;

3.ensure that the last person leaving each individual office switches off all electric lights, printers, photocopiers and heaters.

My Department also operates a Travel Pass Scheme for interested members of staff in order to encourage staff to use public transport in lieu of car transport. These initiatives have had no adverse cost implications for my Department and have resulted in energy cost savings, which would be impossible to quantify. My Department will continue to monitor its own energy consumption and will where practicable continue to implement steps to ensure maximum energy efficiency and the minimum carbon footprint in the daily activities of the Department. As regards the agencies of my Department, the Deputy will appreciate that ensuring maximum energy efficiency and minimum carbon footprint in their daily operations is an operational issue for the agencies concerned and the Deputy can rest assured that the agencies have taken similar actions to my Department over the past few years and will continue to do so.

Job Creation.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

50 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the action he proposes to take to bring replacement jobs and investment to Nenagh and north Tipperary following the series of job losses and factory closures to date in 2007; the reason the Government has apparently abandoned north Tipperary in its job creation and investment schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15461/07]

While job losses are always regrettable, they are a feature of economic development in all countries as various sectors expand and contract in response to market forces. However, I have been assured by the agencies under the remit of my Department that they are actively endeavouring to attract new investment, to encourage the start-up of new businesses, to grow existing businesses and to develop the labour market in Tipperary North.

IDA Ireland, is marketing North Tipperary for inward investment within a regional context and the National Spatial Strategy provides a framework for the achievement of this goal. Proximity to Limerick and Cork and its location along the Limerick/Dublin and Cork/Dublin corridors are strong selling points for the area, as is international access through Shannon Airport.

The transition to a knowledge based economy can only be achieved by winning new investments in innovation driven, high value, high skills sectors. The development of Gateway and Hub locations is crucial to the development of the regions. These regions must possess the population, skills base, business services, infrastructure and vibrant enterprise base that is capable of attracting and winning FDI in competition with similar locations internationally.

IDA has five supported companies in North Tipperary, employing 610 (as per end of year employment survey in December 2006). Employment in IDA supported companies has achieved relative stability over the last three years, having declined from a peak of 1,486 in 2000. Initiatives involving Local Authorities, IDA Ireland and other strategic partners, specifically focused on the task of developing North Tipperary's offering to potential investors are to be encouraged. The Thurles Marketing Group was established in 2002 with a view to developing a pilot marketing initiative in North Tipperary as part of the implementation of the County Economic and Cultural Strategy 2002-2012. IDA Ireland, Shannon Development and the North Tipperary Enterprise Board have contributed to the work of this Group the focus of which was to promote Thurles as a location for business investment, not only for FDI but also as a location for indigenous investment.

Responsibility for the provision of industrial property solutions within the Mid-West region lies with Shannon Development. IDA Ireland works closely with Shannon Development in the promotion and marketing of tailored property solutions. Initiatives undertaken by Shannon Development include the Development of the Tipperary Technology Park in Thurles and the acquisition of a 29 acre site in Roscrea with a view to developing a Business Park appropriate to the needs of the area. Enterprise Ireland has responsibility for the development of indigenous industry is focussed on the creation of new jobs through supporting entrepreneurs who are setting up New High Potential Start Up Companies. In addition, the Agency is working with its existing companies to increase efficiencies, as productivity and competitiveness improvements are critical for client companies to survive and indeed achieve sustained export growth. I am satisfied that the efforts of the agencies together with the expenditure under the National Development Plan will continue to bear fruit in terms of economic development for the people of North Tipperary.

Proposed Legislation.

John Gormley

Question:

51 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason, in view of the fact that the lack of controls on the arms trade is a major factor in fuelling conflict, undermining sustainable development, and ongoing violations of human rights, the Government has not sought to bring the Control of Exports Bill 2007 before Dáil Éireann since it passed in Seanad Éireann on 1 March 2007. [15616/07]

I have no function in the matter of ordering Dáil Business.

Health and Safety Regulations.

Liz McManus

Question:

52 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the Health and Safety Authority report that found inadequate health and safety procedures in most of the hospitals visited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12078/07]

The Health and Safety Authority carried out a programme of inspections in hospitals in 2005 and 2006. The accident and emergency departments of 17 hospitals were covered in 2005 and the 2006 inspections covered the entirety of 16 hospitals. Following the 2005 inspections, advice letters were issued in all cases with recurring themes, notably, violence, training, risk assessments, manual handling, fire, stress, chemical agents and biological agents. 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 health care staff. In this regard, 12 Improvement Notices under the Safety, Health and Welfare Act 2005 were issued by the Authority. The inspections carried out highlighted problems and inadequacy of procedures in most of the hospitals in the following areas: risk assessments for manual handling and for ergonomics; procedures for dealing with violence and aggression in overcrowded departments; handling of chemical and biological agents; prevention of slips, trips and falls; overcrowding and congestion; and infection control. I understand that the Authority has followed up on these inspections, where appropriate, with the Health Services Executive. This year the Authority, as part of its 2007 Programme of Work, is following up on the inspections carried out in 2006 to ensure compliance in relation to issues which arose then. The main objective of the inspection programme is to improve health and safety management systems and practices in the health care sector. Inspections will again 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.

Departmental Travel.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

53 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the international flights taken by Departmental staff on Department business to date in 2007; the number of flights to each destination; the number of domestic flights taken to date in 2007; the origin and destinations involved; the cost of flights; the flights that were taken on Government aircraft and those taken on normal scheduled airlines; if the carbon impact of these flights is taken into account during planning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15483/07]

Table 1 set out below provides details of international fights taken by staff of my Department on official business on scheduled flights from 1 January 2007 to 20 April 2007. The table shows the final destination for each journey, the number of flights to each destination and the cost involved. My Department's staff have not taken any domestic flights on scheduled aircraft to date in 2007. The cost of many international flights taken by my Department's staff is recoupable in whole or in part from organisations such as the European Commission. Of the total cost of €71,634.18 for flights on Table 1, it is estimated that €28,831 is recoupable. Table 2 provides details of flights which staff of my Department made on Government aircraft to date in 2007. In all cases, the staff in question travelled with me or with the Minister of State with responsibility for Trade and Commerce at my Department. The carbon impact of flights is not accounted for at present by my Department. However, as outlined in the National Climate Change Strategy 2007–2012, pending the inclusion of aviation in the Emissions Trading Scheme, the Government has decided that it will voluntarily introduce a carbon offsetting scheme for all air travel on Government business, including flights by Ministers and civil servants, from the beginning of the Kyoto commitment period in January 2008. Practical arrangements will be put in place to enable each Department to compute annually the emissions associated with its air travel and to make a contribution to an appropriate fund to secure verified emission reductions of an equivalent amount. Notwithstanding the Government's commitment in this regard, the carbon impact of flights must also be balanced against the considerable benefits accruing to Ireland from business transacted on the journeys in question in terms of promoting trade, attracting inward investment and influencing international policy.

Table 1 – Details of international fights taken by staff of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment on official business from 1 January 2007 to 20 April 2007

Destination1

No. of flights

Cost2

Alicante

4

980.17

Amsterdam

4

1,235.66

Barcelona

1

209.28

Berlin

1

84.67

Berlin

3

1,022.07

Bilbao

2

630.83

Boston

1

1,696.57

Brussels

121

34,332.20

Bucharest

1

301.59

Budapest

1

221.01

Capetown

1

2,732.12

Copenhagen

1

312.08

Dusseldorf

1

85.03

Geneva

10

3,883.41

Krakow

1

175.69

London

8

1,765.21

Madrid

3

340.11

Milan

1

327.19

Munich

2

584.04

Paris

14

4,684.94

Port of Spain (Trinidad)

1

4,606.93

Riyadh

1

3,803.26

Sicily

1

752.75

Singapore

1

4,770.44

Strasbourg

2

1,372.37

Venice

1

160.65

Vienna

2

563.91

190

71,634.18

Notes to Table 1

1The majority of flights listed on Table 1 originated in Dublin. However, in three cases, flights to the final destination shown above were from a hub airport.

2It is estimated that €28,831 of the total cost of flights on Table 1 is recoupable.

Table 2 — Details of fights by staff of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment on Government aircraft in the course of official business from 1 January 2007 to 25 April 2007

Origin

Destination

No. of flights

Baldonnel

Brussels

2

Baldonnel

Paris

2

Baldonnel

Knock

1

Baldonnel

Cork

3

Total

8

Note: The cost of the use of Government aircraft is a matter for the Department of Defence.

Departmental Bodies.

David Stanton

Question:

54 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reform of FÁS he has instigated since unemployment has fallen to below 5%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15557/07]

The role and functions of FÁS are reviewed on an ongoing basis through the formation of its Statements of Strategy. The current FAS Strategy Statement outlines the vision and direction for FAS for the period 2006 to 2009. The Strategy is closely aligned to the policy goals of my Department and was developed in close collaboration with my Department. In addition a comprehensive internal and external consultation process involving all relevant stakeholders was undertaken by FAS. In the past, labour market policy emphasis has been on those outside the workforce. The Strategy recognises the changes in the labour market including the low level of unemployment and an increased emphasis is placed on the need to rebalance education and training towards up-skilling those in work. Additional funding has been provided to FÁS to enable them to increase capacity and activity in this area through the ‘One Step Up' and other initiatives. FAS also continues to provide a range of services to the unemployed with particular emphasis on the those who have difficulty in accessing the labour market such as people with disabilities, women returnees and early school leavers. The focus in this area will be on the provision of training and employment programmes, which will assist these groups to enter or re-enter the labour market or progress to further job-related training. The FAS statement of Strategy is available on the FAS website at www.fas.ie.

Environmental Support Schemes.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

55 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the dedicated supports available to companies from agencies under the remit of his Department aimed at increasing awareness of, and promoting, eco efficiency in their operations; the number of companies to date who have taken advantage of these supports; the cost to the State of these supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15454/07]

Enterprise Ireland (EI) operates two direct financial support schemes that help Irish SMEs to increase awareness of and promote eco-efficiency in their operations. These are the Environmental Management System (EMS) Support Scheme and the Environmentally Superior Products (ESP) Support Scheme. The EMS Support Scheme has been in operation since late 1998 and since then 105 Irish SMEs have been approved for funding. The total funds approved by Enterprise Ireland in that time amount to €775,123. The actual drawdown of funds in that period has been €441,512. Shannon Development has approved grant payments of €61,812 to eight different companies under the scheme. To date €18,850 has been paid to these companies. The ESP Support Scheme has been running since 1999 and has supported 40 Irish SMEs to date with total approvals over the life of the scheme to date being €1m. Associated costs of the scheme are approx. €15k per annum covering mainly staff costs. Eco efficiency is also an increasingly important element in the attraction and retention of Foreign Direct Investment. In this context IDA has fostered strong links and co-operation with other agencies and stakeholders such as Forfas, Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) and Enterprise Ireland with a view to increasing client company awareness and access to energy efficiency programmes which are run by SEI. In addition, IDA is also liaising with its client companies in the area of renewable energy options. While the County Enterprise Boards do not operate a specific eco dedicated scheme, they are nevertheless ready to support, against their normal range of evaluation criteria, any viable eco business proposal that may come forward for consideration.

FÁS Training Programmes.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

56 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of persons who undertook FÁS training courses in 2006; the percentage of these who were unemployed, who were in part-time employment and who were employed full time; his plans for FÁS for 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15486/07]

A total of 69,000 persons commenced FÁS training courses in 2006 with roughly 35% of those attending training for employment and 65% attending training that were in employment. In addition, 176,000 persons attended Safe Pass and Construction Skills training and a further 9,000 persons attended Evening Courses. A training element was also included for 32,300 persons on Community Employment and Job Initiative schemes in 2006. Statistics concerning numbers in part-time employment are not captured. Plans for FÁS in 2007 are to increase training numbers by roughly 5%. FÁS has been granted additional funding to help meet demand for apprenticeship training and increase capacity for those in employment.

Question No. 57 answered with QuestionNo. 37.

Enterprise Planning.

Eamon Ryan

Question:

58 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the actions that have been taken in his Department and in the State agencies under its aegis to prepare for an influenza epidemic, as set down in the business continuity report. [15608/07]

I assume the Deputy is referring to the report "Business Continuity Planning – Responding to an Influenza Pandemic" which I launched at the end of February. I am very supportive of the work being undertaken at central level in the area of emergency planning. One of the key risks being considered at this level is that of an influenza pandemic. An influenza pandemic would have a very significant impact on economic activity and could pose a major threat to business continuity. My Department, in conjunction with Forfas, undertook a study to assess the levels of preparedness in Irish business for pandemic flu. The study found that small to medium size enterprises in particular were not prepared for this risk and there was therefore a need to provide guidance in this area. The resultant Report provides businesses with the necessary information and tools to develop pandemic preparedness plans. It includes an introduction to the threat posed by influenza pandemic and issues arising for enterprise, a checklist for enterprises to use in their planning process and a comprehensive user guide. Ten illustrative case studies of enterprises across a broad range of sectors are also included. I am confident that the Report provides excellent advice to the enterprise sector and I am pleased to say that the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has acknowledged this Report as an excellent contribution to the broader pandemic planning agenda.

Adult Education.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

59 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the evidence from benchmarking Ireland’s performance that Ireland has dropped three places relative to the EU-15 in terms of life-long learning for 25 to 64 year olds. [15613/07]

The broader responsibility for the promotion of life long learning lies with the Department of Education and Science. My own Department is primarily concerned with the job of enhancing the skills of workers to ensure a more effective labour market and to sustain and enlarge a competitive and productive national economy. In cooperation with the Department of Education and Science we are now preparing a joint report for the European Commission that will detail our respective contributions to the advancement of life long learning and the wide range of approaches that are being deployed at national, regional and local levels to facilitate access to learning at every stage of life. This is an area that has attracted special attention in the national agreement with the social partners – Towards 2016. The recently published National Skills Strategy sets out clear long-term objectives in developing Ireland's human capital through upskilling, training and education for the period to 2020. The Strategy will be essential in ensuring that Ireland's education and training systems are able to meet the future demands of industry in the medium to longer term. One of the key recommendations of the National Skills Strategy is the need to raise the educational and skills levels of 500,000 people in employment. The upskilling of 500,000 individuals within the workforce leading to awards on the National Framework of Qualifications is a significant challenge, which will require new and innovative delivery models. It will require convincing both employers and employees of the need to and value of upskilling in a knowledge economy. The Government, employers and individuals will have to work together if we are to achieve this objective.

Industrial Relations.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

60 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of person-hours lost to his Department and its agencies to date in 2007 due to industrial action; if pending strike notices are in place against his Department or any of its agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15466/07]

There has been no person-hours lost either in my Department or in the Agencies under the aegis of my Department to date in 2007, due to industrial action. There are no pending strike notices in place against my Department or any of the agencies under the aegis of my Department.

Employment Rights.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

61 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the practice of false contracting being used across a wide range of industries in order that employers can avoid many of their duties towards employees; if he will engage in a public information campaign to highlight the legal situation surrounding false contracting and the methods available for reporting it; the number of false contracting cases identified in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15489/07]

Irish employment rights law makes a distinction between a contract of service, which applies to an employer-employee relationship, and a contract for service, which applies in the case of an independent sub-contractor. In effect, employment rights legislation does not apply to independent sub-contractors with the exception of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989 and the Equality Act, 1998. In most cases it will be clear whether an individual is employed or self-employed. Where there is doubt in relation to the employment status of an individual the relevant Departments and Agencies will have regard to the Code of Practice for Determining Employment or Self-Employment Status of Individuals. This Code was drawn up and agreed in 2001 by the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, Department of Social and Family Affairs, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and the Irish Business and Employers Federation. A number of criteria are set out in that Code for determining whether an individual is an employee or self-employed. These include whether the person is under the control or direction of another person, owns his/her own business, supplies labour only, receives a fixed wage, is exposed to financial risk, assumes responsibility for investment and management, supplies materials for the job, can sub-contract the work, works set hours or a given number of hours per week/month, etc. A major package of measures has been agreed by the parties to Towards 2016, the new Social Partnership Agreement, to provide for enhanced public confidence in the system of compliance. New legislation will be published this year to provide for enhanced employment rights measures including the establishment of the National Employment Rights Authority. Providing for greater clarity in the application of employment rights legislation to employees will be considered in the context of drawing up that legislation.

The Social Welfare and Pensions Act, 2007, which came into operation on 30 March, 2007, provides for the disclosure of relevant employment data between the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs and the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to facilitate the operation of the National Employment Rights Authority. This legislation effectively enables the Labour Inspectorate to join with inspectors from the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Office of the Revenue Commissioners to work together in Joint Investigation Units. Such units will have a particular focus on the employment status of workers. Since the enactment of the legislation, exchange of information activity has already taken place between the bodies.

The package of measures provided for under Towards 2016 will be supported by enhanced employment rights promotional and educational efforts. The Social partners and other organisations such as the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Office of the Revenue Commissioners will be invited to bring their knowledge and networks to bear on the design and delivery of this education and awareness programme which, it is anticipated, will also address the issues associated with bogus self-employment. The Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Office of the Revenue Commissioners will have details of the number of bogus self-contractors identified in 2006 in the context of their specific responsibilities. The Labour Inspectorate encountered a claim in 2006 by an employer that workers were engaged on a sub-contract basis and was not, therefore, subject to employment rights legislation. In this case the Scope Section of the Department of Social and Family Affairs, following consideration of all the relevant facts, decided that the workers involved were employees. This decision facilitated an Employment Appeals Tribunal award in favour of a number of former workers in that enterprise.

Appointments to State Boards.

John Gormley

Question:

62 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of appointments he will make to State boards and other public bodies before June 2007; and the positions that will be filled and are expected to be made by the Government between now and then. [15615/07]

Following is the information requested by the Deputy.

Enterprise Ireland—

there is currently one vacancy on the Board of Enterprise Ireland which is in the process of being filled.

Labour Relations Commission—

6 Rights Commissioners will be appointed before 31 May 2007, 5 under the terms of Towards 2016, and 1 arising from a vacancy.

National Competitiveness Council—

As 4 members of the Board of the NCC are required to retire on 31 May each year, 4 appointments will be made subsequent to these retirements.

NSAI—

1 appointment to the Board of the NSAI will be made before June 2007.

National Employment Rights Authority (NERA)—

Appointments to the Advisory Board of the NERA may be made before 31 May 2007.

Departmental Bodies.

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

63 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the rights the Employment Rights Agency will have to acquire and keep its own data; and the resources that will be allocated to the agency for data collection and analysis. [15611/07]

Under the Data Protection Acts certain persons and bodies who control the contents and use of personal data (Data Controllers) are required to register details regarding this data with the Office of the Data Protection Commission, which maintains a Public Register. This Department is registered as a Data Controller with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner under a number of different headings, including Employment Rights and Compliance Section. This section has been subsumed into the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA), which has been established on an interim basis. Pending the enactment of legislation to establish this body on a statutory basis, the Department's registration under the Data Protection Act provides the right for NERA to acquire and keep data for the purpose of checking compliance and enforcement of employment rights legislation. Once NERA is established on a statutory basis, they will be required to register in their own right under the Protection Act. As the Deputy is aware substantial resources have been allocated to the establishment of NERA. The interim body is currently setting up its organisational structure, procedures and processes. NERA are very conscious of the need to have effective systems in place for data collection and analysis purposes and will ensure that resources are available within the organisation to meet this need.

Grocery Industry.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

64 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps being taken to promote FAIRTRADE products both within and outside his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15482/0]

I am aware of the formal trade campaign with a very specific focus on raising consumer awareness which operates under the certification of the FAIRTRADE mark and to have fair trade products widely available and used. The objectives of the campaign are recognized as positive, as trade is increasingly recognized as an important and effective lever for development and hence the alleviation of poverty. Ireland, in common with other EU Member States has placed a very clear emphasis on the need to assist developing countries in their integration into the world economy as a necessary condition for their future development. Such integration, which is one element in the process of poverty reduction in the developing countries will be deeper and fairer if anchored in the WTO multilateral trading system. I am aware that the Department of Foreign Affairs, through Irish Aid, supports Fairtrade Mark Ireland's public awareness and development education programme and also supports access to Fairtrade certified markets for small farmers through Irish Fairtrade Networks in Central America. The decision to use any fair trade product by my Department would of course be subject to compliance with Public Procurement rules and it is a matter for the enterprises supplying services such as cafeteria services in the Department to make their own commercial decisions in sourcing their supplies.

Energy Consumption.

Mary Upton

Question:

65 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he is taking to minimise the carbon footprint of his Department; the carbon auditing that has been undertaken by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15490/07]

To minimize the carbon footprint of my Department in its daily operations, the Department through its Green Team, which was established some years ago, has over the past few years initiated the following actions:

Ensured that all lighting in the Department's eight buildings is switched off overnight;

Ensured that the Office of Public Works, which looks after the replacement of electric light bulbs in my Department's buildings, uses energy efficient bulbs and long life bulbs wherever possible when electric light bulbs are being replaced;

Ensured that the central heating arrangements for the Department's buildings are switched on and off to achieve optimum energy efficiency;

Ensured that the staff in the Department have been exhorted to:

1.switch off all their computer equipment (base units, monitors and peripheral devices) at the end of each working day;

2.switch off their PC monitors at lunch time and while attending meetings etc;

3.ensure that the last person leaving each individual office switches off all electric lights, printers, photocopiers and heaters.

My Department will continue to monitor its energy consumption and will where practicable continue to implement steps to minimise the carbon footprint of the Department in its daily activities. No carbon auditing has been undertaken by my Department. However, under the National Climate Change Strategy 2007 – 2012 it is understood that specific data on greenhouse gas emissions will be collated in respect of the public sector in general by the Environment Protection Agency and my Department will liaise with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in the matter.

Question No. 66 answered with QuestionNo. 31.

Ministerial Travel.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

67 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of journeys made on Government aircraft by Ministers or staff of his Department or its agencies to date in 2007; the origin and destination of each journey; the cost of each journey to the State; the reason a Government aircraft was used rather than scheduled air travel or surface travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15467/07]

Since the beginning of 2007, I, Ministers of State and staff of my Department have made 8 journeys on Government aircraft. The journeys undertaken were as follows:

International Flights:

Minister Martin

Baldonnel-Cork-Paris, 14 January 2007 — EI Trade Mission

Baldonnel-Cork-Brussels-Baldonnel, 19 February 2007 — Competitiveness Council

Minister Ahern

Baldonnel-Cork-Brussels-Cork-Baldonnel, 11 February 2007 — Informal meeting of Trade Ministers

Baldonnel-Cork-Paris-Baldonnel, 20 February 2007 — Meeting with French Trade Minister

Domestic flights:

Baldonnel-Cork-Knock-Cork-Baldonnel, 22 February 2007 — Jobs announcement and Company events

Baldonnel-Cork-Baldonnel, 27 March 2007 — Jobs announcement

Baldonnel-Cork-Baldonnel, 29 March 2007 — Jobs announcement

Baldonnel-Cork-Baldonnel, 25 April 2007 —Pharma/Biotech industry dinner.

The cost of flights on Government aircraft is a matter for the Department of Defence. Government aircraft are used where scheduled commercial flights are not available or are not feasible given tight schedules.

Questions Nos. 68 and 69 answered with Question No. 37.

Proposed Legislation.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

70 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason for the delay in the publication of legislation for whistleblower protection; if he is satisfied that the proposed sectoral approach will satisfy the terms of Article 13.2 or Article 33 of United Nations Convention Against Corruption, and that such an approach will provide the legal safeguards necessary to protect those who wish to expose malfeasance in good faith. [15614/07]

The Whistleblowers Protection Bill 1999, following a Government decision which agreed to address the issue of whistleblowing on a sectoral basis as distinct from a "one size fits all" approach, as envisaged in the Bill, was removed from the Dáil Order Paper following a motion, debate and vote on 4th April 2006.

By virtue of the Government decision, Ministers in the course of preparation of Bills are required to include whistleblowing provisions, as appropriate, having regard to the nature, purpose and scope of the proposed legislation in question. Such whisteleblowing provisions have been included in various enactments since adoption of the sectoral approach. Legislation is prepared in consultation with the Office of the Parliamentary Council having regard to the need for Ireland to meet its international obligations. I am satisfied with the sectoral approach to the inclusion of whistelblowing provisions is working well.

Research Funding.

Tom Hayes

Question:

71 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on whether the system of grants and supports to businesses who wish to conduct research and development is sufficiently simplified; if it is not, the reason he has not ensured this before now; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15564/07]

The Enterprise Development agencies under the aegis of my Department are committed to continuous evaluation and modification of their service delivery models in order to best meet the needs of client companies. As part of the development of the implementation strategy to achieve the targets set out in the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation 2006 — 2013 (SSTI), Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland undertook significant work in 2006 under the umbrella of the SSTI implementation group ‘Technology Ireland' in rationalising and simplifying their R&D scheme offerings to firms.

The overall objective is to get more firms involved in doing research and development, to increase the amount of R&D that existing performers are doing and, to raise the quality and sophistication of the R&D they perform. This should facilitate a planned progression for companies doing R&D, thereby improving in-firm technological capacity and capability over time. The range of supports will be set out in an easily understood package for promotion to companies.

The newly designed schemes are each due to be launched by IDA and Enterprise Ireland in the third quarter of 2007 following completion of the notification process of the schemes under the new Community Framework for State Aid for Research and Development and Innovation to the EU Commission.

Equal Opportunities Employment.

Seán Ryan

Question:

72 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the provisions of employment law that discriminate against employees over 65 years of age; his plans to correct these anomalies; if primary or secondary legislation will be required for each of these anomalies to be corrected; his views on whether it is desirable to facilitate those who wish to continue working past 65 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15479/07]

There is no age discrimination in employment rights legislation and there are no provisions in Employment or Equality law that impose a compulsory retirement age in relation to employment. I would point out that the upper age limit of 66 years for bringing claims under the Unfair Dismissals Acts 1977 to 2005 was removed by the Equality Act 2004. The effect of this is that a person who is over the age of 66 when dismissed may take a case under the Unfair Dismissals Acts unless he/she has already reached the normal retirement age for that employment, if one exists. The removal of the age cap of 66 for statutory redundancy is included in the Protection of Employment (Exceptional Collective Redundancies and Related Matters) Bill 2007 which is designed to give effect to certain commitments arising from "Towards 2016".

The Employment Equality Acts 1998 and 2004, administered by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, protect against discrimination on the ground of age and on other grounds, in relation to access to employment. However, the Acts also permit an employer to decide on a retirement age in a particular employment. The purpose of such provisions is to give flexibility to employers and employees, having due regard to the nature of the work being performed. Such retirement age limits are not in breach of the Employment Equality Acts or the Unfair Dismissal Acts.

Decisions in relation to retirement are influenced by a range of issues and the challenge is to give people the flexibility and choice to work past 65. Obstacles to people working at an older age include benefit and pension entitlements and this issue is being reviewed by the Department of Social and Family Affairs in consultation with the Pensions Board. Under the terms of the Social Partnership agreement "Towards 2016", the Government is committed to the continued participation of older people in the labour market which will be encouraged and facilitated to meet the challenge of an ageing society. Indeed, Ireland has experienced a significant rise in the employment of older workers in the past 10 years with employment rates rising by 10%. The employment rate for older workers in Ireland at 53% already exceeds the EU 2010 target of50%, and is well ahead of the comparable rate for the EU 25, of 42.5% (2005).

Industrial Development.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

73 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of site visits made by Enterprise Ireland or the IDA to County Kerry in each of 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007; the number of same in which a Minister or Minister of State of his Department participated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15468/07]

In the period from the beginning of January, 2005 to the end of March, 2007, there have been a total of 7 IDA sponsored visits by overseas investors to Kerry. Details of those visits are set out in the following tabular statement. The visits are arranged as part of the day-to-day operational activities of the agency and there was no ministerial involvement. In the main, itineraries for site visits relate to mobile investments, normally from overseas. The Enterprise Ireland portfolio of indigenous companies is not of its nature very mobile, and the Agency reports that there were no such visits to Kerry in the period in question.

IDA Ireland continues to actively promote Kerry as a destination for FDI in line with the framework offered by the National Spatial Strategy with emphasis being placed on the linked Hub locations of Tralee and Killarney. The Agency's strategy for Kerry has been to promote the County as part of a broad integrated region with the North of the County being part of the Mid West Region. Based on the strengths of the region, IDA is particularly targeting the ICT including software), and Globally Traded Business sectors. The attractiveness of Kerry for inward investment has to be seen within a regional context, and particularly with reference to its location regarding the Gateway cities of Limerick/Shannon and Cork. In addition, the Agency continues to work with its existing portfolio of client companies under the auspices of the Strategic Competitiveness Programme, which is designed to help consolidate and grow their existing operations in the region where possible.

Enterprise Ireland's activity is focused on the creation of new jobs through supporting entrepreneurs setting up new High Potential Start-Up Companies, the retention and creation of new jobs in existing companies and in enhancing the innovation capability of Ireland at a national and regional level through support of research in companies and third level institutions. The Agency continues to work with companies in its portfolio to assist them grow their sales and exports and improve innovation in order that they can compete on world markets.

Furthermore, Shannon Development has been given a new, more focused, regional economic development remit in the Mid-West region, which includes North Kerry, and its activities complement those of the other national agencies. Among the activities undertaken by the Agency in this regard is the development of the Kerry Technology Park Tralee in cooperation with IDA Ireland, Tralee Institute of Technology, the Local Authority and the private sector. The Park provides state-of-the-art accommodation and facilities for both indigenous industry and foreign investors. I am satisfied that the work of the agencies, together with the roll out of the National Development Plan will continue to bear fruit in terms of additional investment and jobs for the people of Kerry.

Table showing the number of IDA sponsored Site Visits to Kerry in each of the years 2005, 2006 and 2007 (end March)

Year

Number of visits

2005

4

2006

2

2007 (end March)

1

Skills Strategy.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

74 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way he has supported the upskilling of low skilled workers in the manufacturing sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15563/07]

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

One of the initiatives that will receive funding from the Department this year is FÁS Basic Workplace Education Fund. This initiative aims to address the basic skills needs of the employed including literacy, numeracy and basic IT communications. There are currently eight Basic Education Fund programmes and they all are designed to enhance employees' basic skills to enable them to cope with frequent and ongoing changes in work practices. The budget for this fund has increased from €2 million in 2006 to €3 million in 2007.

The recently published National Skills Strategy sets out clear long-term objectives in developing Ireland's human capital through upskilling, training and education for the period to 2020. The Strategy will be essential in ensuring that Ireland's education and training systems are able to meet the future demands of industry in the medium to longer term.

One of the key recommendations of the National Skills Strategy is the need to accelerate the upskilling of 500,000 people in employment. According to the Strategy over 70% or 1.43 million of our current workforce will still be in employment in 2020. The upskilling of 500,000 individuals within the workforce leading to major awards on the National Framework of Qualifications is a significant challenge, which will require new and innovative delivery and funding models. It will require convincing both employers and employees of the need to and value of upskilling in a fast paced knowledge economy of the future. The Government, employers and individuals will have to work together if we are to achieve this objective. The Government, the relevant Government Departments and State Agencies are fully committed to working with both employers and employees to improve the skills profile of the Irish labour force.

Question No. 75 answered with QuestionNo. 37.

Science and Technology Groups.

Seán Crowe

Question:

76 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has plans to adopt an all-Ireland research and development strategy which will include central and local government, businesses, trade unions and educational institutions; the mechanisms included in proposed plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15622/07]

On 18 June last year, the Government launched a comprehensive Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation to 2013, based on the work of the Cabinet Subcommittee on STI, which I chair, and the Interdepartmental Committee on STI, lead by my Department. I can assure the Deputy that our STI Strategy was developed in consultation with stakeholders in the STI arena, including enterprise and academia and I presented it in detail to those stakeholders in July last year, where it was widely welcomed and endorsed. The Strategy was prepared in a whole of government and an all-island context, with a dedicated chapter on the benefits and opportunities of the all-island and international dimensions of STI and how these are being, and will be, addressed under the Strategy.

Excellent progress is already being made, with the Higher Education Research Group (HERG) and Technology Ireland (TI) established as the mechanisms to deliver the Strategy. The HERG and TI bring together all of the Government Departments and Agencies with a research remit. The all-island approach is embedded throughout the STI Strategy and, as the current NDP makes clear, throughout the Government's policy on STI. Close linkages are being developed between our officials, agencies, institutions and our advisory science councils to ensure that synergies and mutual challenges are identified. The Cabinet Subcommittee on STI (at its March 2007 meeting) approved the compilation of an inventory of existing Department to Department and Agency to Agency N/S R&D cooperation. When completed, this will assist in identifying further promising new areas and effective existing models for widening and deepening R&D collaboration.

A Number of specific actions are underway or proposed. We are liaising with our Northern counterparts to maximize drawdown by the two administrations from the EU's Framework Programme for Research, FP7, for collaborative research. The all-island trade and business development body, InterTradeIreland is engaged with a mapping study of all of the publicly funded research performing centres on the island of Ireland, which will be of great benefit to both administrations in taking forward future planning in this key area. In addition, the Government has already made clear that a future call by Science Foundation Ireland for a Centre for Science, Engineering and Technology (CSET) will be made on an all-island basis. A ground-breaking partnership between the United States and Ireland, North and South, on research in key areas such as diabetes and cystic fibrosis is bringing researchers from the three jurisdictions together for dialogue and common approaches, with a view to developing collaborative R&D projects.

Employment for People with Disabilities.

David Stanton

Question:

77 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if people with disabilities are eligible to participate in the National Employment Action Plan; if not, when they will be included; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15302/07]

The National Employment Action Plan Preventive Strategy (NEAP) involves a systematic referral of certain cohorts of registered unemployed persons by the Department of Social and Family Affairs (DSFA) to FÁS for assistance.

The National Development Plan (2007-2013), Towards 2016, and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment's Sectoral Plan under the Disability Act 2005, contain a commitment to extend the activation process to other disadvantaged groups. In this regard a High Level Inter-Departmental Group has been set up, comprising representatives from the Departments of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Social and Family Affairs, the Taoiseach and FÁS to examine how best this can be progressed having regard to the specific needs of each group. Through this group particular attention will be given to the circumstances pertaining to people with disabilities with a view to developing an appropriate and tailored activation process. This process will also be informed by the lessons learned from a recent pilot disability initiative which was developed and implemented by FÁS, in conjunction with the DSFA and the HSE in the Midlands region. The recommendations and findings of an external evaluation are currently being studied.

I am informed by FÁS that, currently, all people with disabilities who voluntarily present to FÁS for assistance receive priority in relation to accessing training, employment programmes or any other job-seeking related services provided by FÁS. Such clients are ‘caseloaded' by FÁS as necessary, so as to provide an intensive guidance and support service, until they secure employment or are deemed to be ‘job-ready'. In addition, FÁS has developed a range of tailored programmes and interventions to assist people with disabilities enter/re-enter the workforce, e.g. the Wage Subsidy Scheme, the Supported Employment Programme, Personal Reader Grant, Workplace Equipment Adaptation Grant, access to Specialist Training Providers and other individualised supports.

Visa Applications.

John Perry

Question:

78 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a long term visa will be issued to a person (details supplied) on humanitarian grounds; if he will clarify the procedure involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15668/07]

The person in question has been granted a visa and is currently in the State on a visit. If she now wishes to remain on a longer term basis she must seek such permission, by written application, to the General Immigration area of my Department. Contact details are on my Department's website, www.justice.ie.

Citizenship Applications.

Liam Aylward

Question:

79 Mr. Aylward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress to date in the application for naturalisation by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [15672/07]

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 19 June 2006. Officials in that Section are currently processing applications received in the latter half of 2004 and have approximately 11,000 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 early 2009. I will inform the Deputy and the person in question when a decision is reached in the case.

Liam Aylward

Question:

80 Mr. Aylward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress to date in the application for naturalisation by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15. [15673/07]

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 13 May 2005. Officials in that Section are currently processing applications received in the latter half of 2004 and have approximately 1,800 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 late 2007. I will inform the Deputy and the person in question when a decision is reached on the case.

Liam Aylward

Question:

81 Mr. Aylward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress to date in the application for naturalisation by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15. [15674/07]

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 19 April 2006. Officials in that section are currently processing applications received in the latter half of 2004 and have approximately 6,700 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 late 2008. I will inform the Deputy and the person in question when a decision is reached in the case.

Stardust Tribunal.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

82 Mr. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the terms of reference of the eminent legal person being appointed to review the findings of the Stardust Tribunal of 1982. [15679/07]

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

83 Mr. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the latest position with regard to the appointment of an eminent legal person to review the findings of the Stardust Tribunal of 1982. [15680/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 83 together.

I can inform the Deputy that Mr. John Gallagher, SC, has been nominated to carry out an independent examination of the issues raised in the submission made by the Stardust Victims Committee. I understand that the terms of reference for this exercise have been discussed with the Committee's Solicitor and will be reviewed further with Mr. Gallagher, in advance of their being finally settled.

Sexual Offences.

Tony Gregory

Question:

84 Mr. Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is satisfied that action is being taken to allay the concerns of residents (details supplied); if the person referred to is registered with the Gardaí; the regularity of the contact between the Gardaí and the person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15681/07]

The Sex Offenders Act, 2001 sets out the obligations on persons convicted of a range of sexual offences. A convicted sex offender must notify his/her name(s), date of birth and current home address to the Garda Síochána within seven days of the conviction for the sexual offence concerned or, where the offender is sentenced to imprisonment, from the date of full release from prison. Thereafter, the offender must notify the Gardaí of any change of name or address within seven days of that change. Notification of any address where the offender spends either as much as seven days or two or more periods amounting to seven days in any twelve month period must also be given to the Gardaí. If the offender intends to leave the State for a period of seven days or more s/he must inform the Gardaí of this fact and the address at which s/he intends to stay and also notify the Gardaí of his/her return. If s/he did not intend to stay away for more than seven days but did, s/he must inform the Gardaí within a further seven days.

The provisions of the Act extend to any sex offenders entering this jurisdiction from abroad who have an obligation to register in their own countries. Section 13 of the Act provides that a person convicted outside the State of an offence that would constitute an offence in this jurisdiction for which the person would be subject to the notification requirements of the Act and who enters the State, must comply with these requirements within seven days.

The Act makes it mandatory for a convicted sex offender to inform their employer or future employer of their conviction if their job entails having unsupervised access to children. The Act also allows for a Chief Superintendent of An Garda Síochána to request the court to make a sex offender order, whereby a sex offender can be prohibited from behaving in a particular way, where such behaviour is perceived by the court as having a potential danger to the welfare of children. It should be noted that Garda clearance is now required for potential employees in a number of occupations which entail access to, or authority over, children.

The Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Investigation Unit of An Garda Síochána monitor and manage the notification provisions. There are nominated Garda Inspectors in each Garda Division who have responsibility for the monitoring of persons subject to the requirements of the Act in their Division. As soon as the Domestic Violence and Assault Investigation Unit is advised by a relevant authority, such as the Irish Prison Service, the Courts Service or a foreign law enforcement agency, of the impending release or movement of sex offenders into their area this information is immediately passed to the nominated Inspectors, who are advised of information relevant to their Division. Any child protection issues arising are advised to the relevant health services authorities, as provided for under the Children First guidelines.

There is a very good co-operation in the sharing of information between An Garda Síochána and other law enforcement agencies. Last November I signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ireland and the UK to assist in the sharing of information on sex offenders. The MoU is part of the work undertaken following the Intergovernmental Agreement on North/South Co-operation on Criminal Justice Matters signed on behalf of the Irish and British Governments in July 2005. In addition, under the Agreement, a Registered Sex Offender Advisory Group has been established consisting of representatives of An Garda Síochána, the Police Service of Northern Ireland, my Department and the Northern Ireland Office. As part of its work, this Group evaluates the potential for sharing information, examining the registration criteria in both jurisdictions for sex offenders and identifying areas for further co-operation.

Based on five years experience in the operation of the Act, I am proposing a series of changes to the Act with the aim of strengthening the protection it offers to the community. These will include raising the penalty for failure to register from 12 months to five years imprisonment, thus making it an arrestable offence, and giving probation officers power to prosecute offenders who fail to comply with the terms of a post release supervision order.

Closed Circuit Television Systems.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

85 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his view on having closed circuit television cameras installed in an area (details supplied) in County Cork owing to the high level of incidence of crime in this area. [15729/07]

CCTV Systems have become an important and effective tool which is used as a support to policing and public safety and they can also act as a useful deterrent to crime and public disorder.

Garda CCTV schemes are planned and implemented on the basis of identified operational need. These schemes are usually located within the commercial and recreational areas of our towns and cities. I have been informed by the Garda authorities that there are no plans at present for the installation of a Garda CCTV scheme in the town referred to by the Deputy. I have also been informed that Senior Garda Management in the region monitor crime trends in the area on a continuous basis and they are currently satisfied with the policing service being provided to the local community.

I launched the Community-based CCTV Scheme in June 2005 in response to the demonstrated demand from local communities across Ireland for the provision of CCTV systems. This Scheme is designed to provide financial assistance to qualifying local organisations towards meeting the capital costs associated with the establishment of local community CCTV systems. Pobal has been engaged to administer the Scheme on behalf of my Department. Grant aid funding of up to €100,000 is available from my Department with the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs providing matching funding for successful applications from RAPID areas. Pre-development grants of up to €5,000 are also available to establish the need for CCTV in a given area. The second round of funding under the Community-based CCTV Scheme was advertised in December 2006 with a closing date for receipt of applications of end-February 2007. I have been informed by Pobal that no application under this Scheme was received from any group in the town to which the Deputy refers. However, it will be open to local groups to apply for funding in future rounds of this scheme.

Citizenship Applications.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

86 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on an application by persons (details supplied) in County Limerick for long-term residency and naturalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15738/07]

Applications for certificates of naturalisation from the persons referred to in the Deputy's question were received in the Citizenship Section of my Department on 6 September 2006. Officials in that Section are currently processing applications received in the latter half of 2004 and have approximately 10,100 applications on hand to be dealt with before those of the individuals 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 applications will commence in the first half of 2009. I will inform the Deputy and the persons in question when I have reached a decision on the applications.

Child Abduction.

Joe Costello

Question:

87 Mr. Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15739/07]

There is no record of the persons in question having made an application to the Central Authority for Child Abduction which operates within my Department. The Central Authority for Child Abduction operates for the purpose of the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. The purpose of the Convention is to facilitate the return of children who have been wrongfully removed from one contracting state where they are habitually resident to another contracting state. As Mongolia is not a party to this Convention, the Central Authority has no function in the matter. However, the persons involved might seek the assistance of An Garda Síochána if they have not already done so or the Department of Foreign Affairs, who may be able to offer some consular assistance in this regard.

Prison Building Programme.

Joe Higgins

Question:

88 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is satisfied that he has complied with the mandatory requirements of EU Environmental Directives in proceeding with his plans to put a prison in Thornton Hall. [15740/07]

I wish to inform the Deputy that I am fully satisfied that all requirements under European Union Environmental Directives have and will be adhered to now and in the future.

Residency Permits.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

89 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 83 of 1 February 2007, when an application for a person (details supplied) for permanent residency will be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15748/07]

The position in relation to granting long term residency is as follows: Persons who have been legally resident in the State for over five years on the basis of work permit/work authorisation/work visa conditions may apply to the Immigration Division of my Department for a five year residency extension. In that context they may also apply to be exempt from employment permit requirements.

The dependants of the aforementioned, who have been legally resident in the State for over five years may also apply for long term residency. This particular long term permission does not grant an exemption from employment permit requirements to any such dependants.

Time spent in the State on student conditions cannot be counted towards long term residency. While applications for long term residency are under consideration, the person concerned should ensure that their permission to remain in the State is kept up to date.An application for long term residence from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in December 2006. I understand that applications received in June 2006 are currently being dealt with.

Garda Strength.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

90 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the next intake of students into Templemore will be; when the next graduation will be; the number of students he expects will be concerned in each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15768/07]

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 am further informed by the Garda authorities that the next intake of Garda recruits to enter the Garda College, Templemore, will take place on Tuesday, 8 May, 2007. It is anticipated that 275 Garda recruits will enter the Garda College on that date. There is a graduation ceremony taking place today and it is anticipated that 254 Probationer Gardaí will graduate. The next graduation is to take place on 26 July, 2007. Figures for this graduation will not be available until closer to the date.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

91 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the most up to date figure for the number of fully attested members of An Garda Síochána; the number of students in Templemore; the number of fully-trained members of the Garda Reserve; and the number of trainee Gardaí. [15769/07]

I have been informed by the Garda authorities, who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that the total personnel strength (all ranks) of An Garda Síochána on 24 April 2007, including recruits in training was 14,234 of which 13,158 had completed all five stages of training. I have also been informed that the total number of Garda trainees in the Garda College, Templemore, on 24 April, 2007 was 495. This figure is comprised of 230 Phase 1 Student Gardaí and 265 Phase 3 Student Gardaí. The total number of Gardaí trainees on 24 April, 2007 was 1,076. This figure is comprised of 230 Phase 1 Student Gardaí, 581 Phase 2 Student Gardaí and 265 Phase 3 Student Gardaí.

There are currently 36 fully operational Garda Reserve members. 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.

Crime Levels.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

92 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of reported stabbing incidents for each year since 1997 to date in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15770/07]

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

93 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of fatal stabbing incidents for each year since 1997 to date in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15771/07]

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

94 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of detections, prosecutions and convictions for fatal stabbing incidents for each year since 1997 to date in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15772/07]

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

95 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of detections, prosecutions and convictions for non-fatal reported stabbing incidents for each year since 1997 to date in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15773/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 92 to 95, inclusive, together.

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 since the third quarter 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.

Refugee Status.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

96 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to an appeal in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15796/07]

I refer the Deputy to my replies to Dáil Questions No. 120 of 22 February, 2007, No. 407 of 31 January, 2007, No. 151 of 14 December, 2006 and No. 56 of 30 November, 2006, in relation to this case.

I wish to inform the Deputy that the position remains unchanged.

Family Reunification.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

97 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to the application for family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15797/07]

The person in question made a Family Reunification application on behalf of his wife in November 2004 and his 2 children in May 2005.

The Immigration Division of my Department has informed me that the application in respect of the children has recently been approved.

The application in respect of his wife is currently under consideration and my Department will be in contact with the person concerned in the near future concerning this application.

Citizenship Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

98 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress to date in respect of an application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15798/07]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question Number 124 on Thursday 8 March 2007. The position remains as stated.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

99 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 2; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15799/07]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 240 of Thursday, 25th May, 2006; 440 of Wednesday, 27th September, 2006; 93 of Thursday 9th November, 2006, and 200 of Wednesday, 22nd November, 2006, and the written replies to those Questions. The position is unchanged.

Departmental Studies.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

100 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the progress that has been made in the development of a Liffey Valley Park; if funds have been earmarked for its development; if so, the amount of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15704/07]

A Steering Group was formed to consider the feasibility of establishing a Liffey Valley Park as originally envisaged with the acquisition of St. Catherine's Park, Lucan. The Group comprised officials representing the County Councils of Fingal, Kildare, South Dublin and the Office of Public Works.

Within the current statutory and operational ambits of the relevant public authorities the Group examined management models, made an inventory of resources, and established a realisable vision for the concept and recommendations for implementation.

To assist the Steering Group in its deliberations a firm of specialist Consultants was engaged to carry-out a detailed feasibility study. The study was completed in late 2006 and made widely available. Recommendations include: an initial focus on publicly-owned property in a central section of the valley corridor; establishing an identity for and public awareness of the concept; better integration of the activities of the various public bodies; maintaining environmental quality and improving public access; and a ‘launch programme' of demonstrative initiatives/projects.

While no central funds have been made available each public body may make progress from within existing resources.

Disabled Drivers.

Richard Bruton

Question:

101 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the amendments proposed by the review group on the motor tax concessions for persons with a disability; the estimated cost of implementing these recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15666/07]

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

The Group's Report, published on my Department's website in July 2004, sets out in detail the genesis and development of the scheme. It examines the current benefits, the qualifying medical criteria, the Exchequer costs, relationship with other schemes and similar schemes in other countries. The Report did not provide a cost for the recommendations and options that were outlined. However it noted the potential for costs to rise in the event of reforming the Scheme by pointing out that up to 92,000 people considered themselves to be disabled, while at the time of the Report only 7,900 persons were covered by the Scheme.

Based on the most recent data available from the Revenue Commissioners, it is estimated that the number of claimants in the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme in 2006 was approximately 11,000 and the cost was over €67 million.

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

Tax Code.

Jack Wall

Question:

102 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is due a tax rebate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15675/07]

I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the taxpayer has been paying tax on the emergency code since commencing his first employment in December 2006. A certificate of tax credits and standard rate cut off point for 2007 has now issued to him and a copy was sent to his employer. Any tax over deducted from the taxpayer since January 2007 will be refunded to him by his employer. A PAYE balancing statement for 2006 has also issued to him outlining the final position for the year. No tax deductions were made from the taxpayer's earnings in 2006 and, therefore, no refund of tax is due to him for that year.

Health Services.

Michael Noonan

Question:

103 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Health and Children if free optical treatment is available to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick whose prescribed lenses are expensive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15641/07]

Child health examinations are provided by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to children under 6 years of age and children attending national school in accordance with Section 66 of the Health Act, 1970. Under Section 67 of that Act, children are eligible for HSE ophthalmic services in respect of problems noted at child health examinations.

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

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

104 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children when it is proposed to provide an improved speech therapist service to a person (details supplied) in the special needs unit of a school in County Donegal. [15713/07]

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.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

105 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will arrange for a person (details supplied) in County Cork who is currently hospitalised to be transferred to a community hospital. [15649/07]

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

Nursing Home Subventions.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

106 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for nursing home subvention by a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will assist in having this patient admitted to long term care. [15650/07]

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 Aids and Appliances.

Pat Breen

Question:

107 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated with an assessment for aids and appliances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15651/07]

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

Health Service Staff.

Pat Breen

Question:

108 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive have plans to allocate extra speech therapists to a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15659/07]

Over 120,000 people work full-time or part-time in our public health services. In recent years, the Government's ongoing high level of investment in health has achieved and maintained significant increases in the numbers of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals employed in the public health services. The Government has also invested heavily in the education and training of such personnel in order to secure a good supply of graduates to provide for the healthcare needs of the population into the future.

Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Bernard Allen

Question:

109 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the situation regarding a person (details supplied) in County Cork who is being threatened with eviction due to the Health Service Executive not paying an adequate subvention for their care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15684/07]

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 Compensation Scheme.

Damien English

Question:

110 Mr. English asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department and the Health Service Executive will allow for no fault insurance claims for families of children with cerebral palsy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15707/07]

I have asked the Chairman of the Advisory Group on No Fault Compensation for Brain Damaged Infants to consult with the interests who were represented on the group to ascertain if there is sufficient agreement on the principles and structure of a scheme that might allow the group to complete its work and submit a report to me.

Health Services.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

111 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children if additional home help hours are to be made available for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford to assist them with living alone; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15722/07]

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

Health Service Allowances.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

112 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children if the diet supplement for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford can be backdated from the time they would have been eligible to it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15723/07]

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.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

113 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of the domiciliary care allowance for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; when a decision will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15724/07]

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.

Recreational Facilities.

John Deasy

Question:

114 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Health and Children if dedicated funding has been made available to the Health Service Executive to fund youth cafés under her new recreation policy for teenagers; the amount of funding that has been made available in 2007. [15726/07]

The National Children's Strategy includes a commitment to develop a National Recreation Policy for children between the ages of 12 and 18 years. The preparation of the policy is nearing completion and it is my intention to publish it shortly.

One of the key aspects of the policy is the provision of more recreational facilities and in particular, the establishment of youth cafés, identified by young people as their single biggest need. The policy recognises that youth cafés offer great potential for providing a wide range of developmental, educational and information programmes to young people and that the provision of such services within these settings will require a cross-Departmental and inter-Agency collaborative approach through a formal partnership process.

Individual Government Departments and agencies, as key funding and delivery bodies at national and local level, will continue to retain responsibility for the implementation of actions and measures that fall within the remit of their operational responsibilities. The implementation of the policy is being discussed with the relevant Government Departments and Agencies.

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

115 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in having a person (details supplied) called to a hospital; and if her attention has been drawn to the fact that they were advised that they would be called in February 2007 and that they are aged 94 years. [15728/07]

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.

Patients waiting more than three months on a surgical waiting list may qualify for treatment under the National Treatment Purchase Fund. It is open to the person in question or anyone acting on their behalf to contact the Fund directly in relation to this case.

Accident and Emergency Services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

116 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive to Parliamentary Question No. 258 of 6 March 2007, which according to Parliamentary Question No. 261 of 5 April 2007 was due to issue shortly. [15747/07]

My Department has been advised by the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Health Service Executive that a reply to the Deputy's question of 6 March 2007 issued on the 24th April 2007.

Hospital Services.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

117 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will set out in full the basis for the decision to transfer St. Luke’s Hospital; and the reports, reviews, consultation and other advice that was relied upon in making this decision. [15749/07]

The Government's policy on radiation oncology is based on the Report on The Development of Radiation Oncology Services in Ireland. The Report was prepared by a multi-disciplinary group of experts in radiation oncology, medical oncology, public health and palliative care, including significant expertise from St. Luke's Hospital and the Irish Cancer Society. The Report has had significant international endorsement from such bodies as the US National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society. The Report recommended that there should be two radiation oncology treatment centres located in the Eastern region, one serving the southern part of the region and adjacent catchment areas and one serving the northern part of the region and adjacent catchment areas. A detailed request for proposals issued to six hospitals in Dublin in June 2004 and an International Panel submitted its advice to me in January 2005.

The decision to transfer St. Luke's Hospital was taken by the Government in the context of this advice and its consideration of the National Plan for Radiation Oncology Services. The decision is designed to ensure that radiation oncology, one element of cancer care, is integrated with all other aspects of care, including surgery and medical oncology. This is in line with best international practice. I am convinced that this model will provide better patient centred treatment with improved quality of service and outcome for patients. The Board of St. Luke's Hospital and its Executive Management Team are fully committed to supporting the Government's decision in relation to the development of radiation oncology. A transfer on similar lines took place last year in Northern Ireland when radiation oncology services transferred to Belfast City Hospital, a major academic teaching hospital.

In progressing the transfer, I will build on the expertise and ethos of St. Luke's. I have ensured that experts at St. Luke's are centrally involved in the planning and delivery of the National Plan. The plan consists of large centres in Dublin (at Beaumont and St. James's Hospitals), Cork and Galway and two integrated satellite centres at Waterford Regional Hospital and Limerick Regional Hospital. The Chief Executive at St. Luke's will lead the management team of the new facility at St. James's. I also appointed the Chairman of St. Luke's to chair a National Radiation Oncology Oversight Group which is advising me on progress on the implementation of the plan.

Discussions on transfer, facilitated by the HSE, are taking place involving the Chief Executives of both hospitals. A working group is in place to develop close working relationships and ensure a smooth transition. In addition and in recognition of the role for St. Luke's in the new facility at St. James's, I will pursue discussions with the Boards of both Hospitals about its governance and a re-configuration of the Boards. The twin goals are to ensure continuity of expertise and ethos in the care of cancer patients and the effective integration of multi-disciplinary patient care at the one site.

Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.

Michael Ring

Question:

118 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a refund under the health repayment scheme. [15753/07]

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.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

119 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway, who has an intellectual disability, is not entitled to a full time place; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the person would have access to occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech therapy if they were attending on a full time basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15760/07]

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 Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

120 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if extra funding or services can be offered to a company (details supplied) in Dublin 7 for this organisation to continue to assist persons with an acquired brain injury; if she or her Department have received correspondence from individuals or groups recently in this regard; her plans to address this issue in early date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15793/07]

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.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

121 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15794/07]

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.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

122 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15795/07]

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.

Fishing Vessel Licences.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

123 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when a response will be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15669/07]

The function of the Licensing Authority for sea-fishing boats was transferred under the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 2003 to the Registrar General of Fishing Boats. The Act provides that the Licensing Authority is independent in the exercise of its functions under the Act, subject to the law for the time being in force and policy directives in relation to sea-fishing boat licensing.

The Registrar General has informed me that the MFV "Áine Íde" was re-measured by the Marine Survey Office of the Department of Transport as required by Article 4 of Council Regulation (EEC) No. 2930/86 as amended by Council Regulation (EEC) No. 3259/94. The certificate of survey issued by the Marine Survey Office specified that the vessel's registered length is 19.5 metres and 142 GT under the aforementioned Article 4 and that the change arose because of the new measurement rules used under the relevant EU Regulations.

Grant Payments.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

124 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when a response will be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15670/07]

The decommissioning of fishing vessels schemes are implemented by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) and I am advised that the person referred to has been advised by BIM in relation to the position of his application for a decommissioning grant for his vessel.

The person referred to applied to BIM on 23rd October 2005 to decommission his vessel under the "Scheme to permanently withdraw capacity from the demersal and shellfish sectors of the Irish fishing fleet". The application was evaluated by BIM and considered by the Decommissioning Approvals Board, which is made up of officials from BIM, Enterprise Ireland, the South and East Regional Assembly, the BMW Regional Assembly and the Department, at a meeting on the 16th November 2005.

The application was not approved as it did not meet the mandatory criteria of having carried out fishing activities for the minimum of 75 days in each of the two periods of 12 months from 1st October 2003 to 1st October 2005. This mandatory criteria is set down under EU Regulation 2792/1999 which establishes the rules inter alia for grant aiding the decommissioning of fishing vessels. The applicant was informed of this decision on the 16th November 2005 and was again written to on the 1st September 2006, following the appointment of an Appeals Officer, and informed of the procedures for lodging an appeal in respect of the decision of the Decommissioning Approvals Board.

Telecommunications Services.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

125 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he will make an announcement regarding the tender for the full broadband enablement of the State; and the cost of this initiative in 2007 and 2008. [15677/07]

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).

Despite Government and private investment in broadband it is recognised that there remain areas of the country where the private sector is unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband connectivity. Accordingly, the new National Broadband 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. This Scheme will, when it is fully rolled out, ensure that all reasonable requests for broadband from houses and premises in unserved and rural areas are met.

A Steering Committee is currently considering all elements of the proposed scheme and the Department will commence the tender process in the coming weeks. The cost of the scheme will be determined through the tender process.

Harbours and Piers.

Joe Walsh

Question:

126 Mr. Walsh asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will approve expenditure to complete works on a pier (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15693/07]

Garnish Pier is owned by Cork County Council and responsibility for its maintenance, repair and upkeep rests with the Local Authority in the first instance.

In 2006, the Department allocated funding of €217,500 which represented 75% of the total project cost of €290,000. The allocation was for Phase 2 of the development which involved raising the height of the pier and adjoining wave wall.

I have recently received an application for funding under the Department's 2007 Harbours and Coastal Infrastructure Programme from Cork County Council to complete Phase 2 works in 2007.

I hope to shortly be in a position to announce my Department's Harbours and Coastal Infrastructure Programme 2007. All funding approvals are based on available Exchequer funding and overall national priorities going forward.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

127 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if there is grant assistance for a person who wishes to erect a 10.5 meter high tower wind turbine generator for their private dwelling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15715/07]

My Department does not provide grant aid for wind turbines. The current renewable energy support programme, known as the Renewable Energy Feed In Tariff (REFIT), is a fixed feed in tariff mechanism. This means that an applicant may submit an application at a fixed price based on technology and, in the case of wind, the capacity of the project. The reference price values and indexation permitted in REFIT programme are capable of delivering projects without recourse to grant aid. The terms and conditions of REFIT are available on my Department's website at www.dcmnr.ie.

Telecommunications Services.

Seán Crowe

Question:

128 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the percentage of schools currently connected to a broadband service with speeds greater than 1024 kbps. [15741/07]

Seán Crowe

Question:

129 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the person who was awarded the Smart Telecom contract to ensure broadband connection for over 1,000 schools. [15742/07]

Seán Crowe

Question:

130 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the amount spent to date in connecting schools to broadband; and the amount of additional money required to complete the task. [15743/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 128 to 130, inclusive, together.

Broadband internet connectivity is being rolled-out to all recognised primary and post-primary schools. This project is being undertaken in partnership with industry in the context of a Government — Telecommunications and Internet Federation (TIF) Agreement to provide local broadband connectivity to schools. The broadband connectivity is being provided via a Schools National Broadband Network supported by HEAnet, which will provide managed Internet access, email, security controls, content filtering and other services designed to enhance the educational process. A Broadband Support Service Desk has also been established to assist schools with advice and information relating to the roll-out and ongoing use of their broadband connectivity within the schools network. Over €18m has been invested in the project since its commencement.

The bandwidth provided to schools is based on a tiering system that recognises that larger schools (with more students) require more bandwidth than smaller schools. Approximately 59% of schools currently connected with a broadband service have a bandwidth greater than 1024 kbps.

Following a competitive public procurement process, contracts were finalised in June 2005 by the Department of Education and Science with six service providers for the provision of local broadband access to 3,925 schools. The count of the number of schools countenanced under this arrangement has since been amended to take into account the effect of a number of school closures, amalgamations and new opening and stands currently at 3,940. Smart Telecom was one of the six service providers selected.

Roll out of the local connectivity and router installation commenced in June 2005. As of 23rd April, 3,796 schools have had their local connectivity installed. Smart Telecom has completed connection to 1,178 of these schools.

The Commission for Communications Regulation advise that Smart Telecom is still an authorised operator. Smart Telecom is continuing to provide local broadband connectivity to the schools installed by it.

The National Development Plan contains a provision of €252m for ICT in schools, the essential purpose of which is to advance the embedding of an e-Learning culture in teaching and learning in schools. The Department of Education and Science intends to publish a new ICT strategy this year covering the period of the National Development Plan to 2013. A Strategy Planning Group has been put in place to advise on the most appropriate prioritisation of measures and their phasing over the timescale of the National Development Plan. As part of the development of this comprehensive new strategy, it will be necessary to consider and address a wide range of issues including the maintenance of the national broadband network for schools.

Harbours and Piers.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

131 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if additional funding has been announced recently in respect of a special programme in addition to a funding announcement he made a number of months ago (details supplied). [15766/07]

Ballycotton Pier is owned by Cork County Council and responsibility for its maintenance, repair and upkeep rests with the Local Authority in the first instance.

In 2006, the Department allocated funding of €375,000 which represented 75% of the total project cost of €500,000. The allocation was for part of Phase 1 of the development involving sheet piling to the pier.

I have recently received an application for funding under the Department's 2007 Harbours and Coastal Infrastructure Programme from Cork County Council to complete the sheet piling at the pier in 2007.

I hope to shortly be in a position to announce my Departments Harbours and Coastal Infrastructure Programme 2007. All funding approvals are based on available Exchequer funding and overall national priorities going forward.

Departmental Investigations.

Paul McGrath

Question:

132 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has concluded his investigation into the circumstances in which a third party became aware of the detail of parliamentary questions tabled to him in December 2006 prior to their publication; the outcome of that investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15665/07]

I refer the Deputy to the reply to Parliamentary Question 575 (15068/07) answered on 24th April last.

Work Permits.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

133 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of applications that have been made for work permits in 2004, 2005 and 2006 from applicants who are from countries with a strong traditional pattern of migration from Ireland namely USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand; the number that were granted and refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15708/07]

The Employment Permits Section have set out below the figures as requested above.

Country

Permits Issued 2004

Permits Refused 2004

Permits Issued 2005

Permits Refused 2005

Permits Issued 2006

Permits Refused 2006

Australia

906

8

926

17

879

30

Canada

269

6

315

9

335

16

New Zealand

550

11

527

9

531

18

U.S.A.

926

19

1,046

30

1,037

26

Skills Strategy.

Phil Hogan

Question:

134 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way he proposes to meet his targets in relation to the upskilling of the labour force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15711/07]

The recently published National Skills Strategy sets out clear long-term objectives in developing Ireland's human capital through upskilling, training and education for the period to 2020. The Strategy will be essential in ensuring that Ireland's education and training systems are able to meet the future demands of industry in the medium to longer term.

One of the key recommendations of the National Skills Strategy is the need to raise the educational and skills levels of 500,000 people in employment. The upskilling of 500,000 individuals within the workforce leading to awards on the National Framework of Qualifications is a significant challenge, which will require new and innovative delivery models. It will require convincing both employers and employees of the need to and value of upskilling in a knowledge economy. The Government, employers and individuals will have to work together if we are to achieve this objective.

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

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

In order to ensure that we meet our objectives on upskilling I will ask the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs to identify the most suitable initiatives to incentivise employers and workers to fully engage in training and education at all stages and at all ages.

The Expert Group will also report annually to me on progress in relation to the findings contained within the National Skills Strategy.

Housing Management Companies.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

135 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the changes he anticipates will be needed in company law in order to deal with the specific circumstances of licensing management companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15701/07]

Residential management companies are generally constituted as companies limited by guarantee under the Companies Acts and are required to comply with the relevant provisions of company law.

The operation of such companies under their relevant memorandum and articles of association is a matter for determination by the company members, who generally are the owners of the properties in question.

The Companies Acts do not seek to regulate for specific areas of activity in which companies may engage, nor do they seek to provide for the licensing of companies to undertake specific activities. Such regulation or licensing is seen as a matter for the Department or Agency with sectoral responsibility for the activity concerned.

However, the General Scheme of the Companies Consolidation and Reform Bill, which has recently been finalised by the Company Law Review Group, proposes to include certain provisions in company legislation which will facilitate the operation of residential management companies. These provisions include an exemption for such companies from the normal limit of 99 members which applies to private companies limited by shares, and a provision whereby the membership of a residential management company will transfer automatically from the vendor to the purchaser of the underlying property to which the membership relates, upon the sale of that property.

I expect to receive a copy of the Company Law Review Group Report and its General Scheme shortly, at which point I will consider the proposals therein in consultation with my Government colleagues.

Redundancy Payments.

John Perry

Question:

136 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the guidelines in relation to the payment of redundancy to employees once an institution closes and ceases business; if the employer has the right to advise the employees that their redundancy package will be paid at a later date once the premises closes; when are the employees entitled to receive their redundancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15736/07]

Payment of Statutory Redundancy is, in the first instance, the responsibility of the employer. When a redundancy situation arises in an employment, an employer must give at least 2 weeks notice of termination of the employment in accordance with the provisions of the Redundancy Payments Acts 1967 to 2003. On the date of termination or as close to possible to it, the employer should pay the statutory redundancy lump sums directly to the employees.

If the employer is unable to pay statutory redundancy to the employees but completes the necessary forms (RP50), the employees may then claim their statutory lump sums directly from the Social Insurance Fund, which is administered by this Department. Payment is made directly to the employees about four weeks from the date of receipt of the correctly completed forms in the Department. The Department then seeks to recover these debts from the employer.

If, on closure of the employment an employer fails to pay the employees their statutory redundancy entitlements within a reasonable length of time, say 2 weeks, or does not give them the necessary forms to claim the statutory lump sums from the Social Insurance Fund, it is then open to the employees to bring appeals against their former employer before the Employment Appeals Tribunal for a decision in the matter. This must be done within twelve months of the termination of employment.

If the Tribunal, on hearing the case, finds in favour of the employees, and the employer fails to pay, payment can be then be made directly to the employees from the Social Insurance Fund on foot of the Tribunal Order. The department then seeks to recover these debts from the employer.

Economic Competitiveness.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

137 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which he has identified the cause or causes of job relocation to other economies; the action he has taken to address these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15782/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

138 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs relocated to other economies in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15783/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

140 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which he has identified the main factors affecting the competitiveness of the Irish economy; the action he has taken or proposes to take to address the issues arising therefrom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15785/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 137, 138 and 140 together.

There are many factors that influence a firm's decision to relocate. Firms adjust their plant location and utilisation strategies to address matters such as accessing new markets, moving production nearer to customers, meeting firm or market specific customer relationship issues, accessing technology or other competitive considerations. The result is flows of investment and employment across borders. Ireland successfully manages this process, while winning many prestigious and value added investment, and enterprise policies have enabled the economy to replace lost jobs with others of equal or higher value.

It is not possible to audit the extent to which job losses in the economy arise due to firms relocating abroad. Forfás, however, undertakes an annual survey of employment in companies supported by the enterprise development agencies. Last year, full time employment in agency assisted companies expanded by 5,927 to over 305,000. This reflects robust employment growth in the wider economy where the number of jobs is at an historic high of over 2 million.

The National Competitiveness Council benchmarks Ireland's competitiveness performance on an annual basis. We have also had the benefit of the advice and views of the Enterprise Strategy Group, the Small Business Forum, the Better Regulation Group and have policies in place to act on their recommendations. Together with our Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation and our National Skills Strategy, I am satisfied that we are taking the measures needed to meet the challenges of global competition.

Trade Balance Statistics.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

139 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is satisfied himself that trade balances are sufficiently favourable to the Irish economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15784/07]

For over ten years, Ireland has had a very significant surplus on its merchandise exports. For example, last year we had a surplus of €28.3bn on exports of €88.7bn. This is an extremely healthy position. In relation to services trade, where data is not as well developed, we had a deficit last year of €8.3bn on services exports of €54bn and that deficit has been declining over the last few years. The combined trade surplus last year, counting both merchandise and services trade, was €20bn, an improvement of almost €1bn on the previous year.

Question No. 140 answered with QuestionNo. 137.

Economic Competitiveness.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

141 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is satisfied that Irish products are sufficiently competitive on world export markets; if he has taken action to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15786/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

146 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is satisfied that Irish export markets are sufficiently well placed to meet competition in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15791/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 141 and 146 together.

Statistics for Merchandise Trade performance in 2006 show that these exports increased by 2% on 2005. Exports from Enterprise Ireland's client base of indigenous companies is expected to show a significantly higher increase. This is a very creditable performance, against a background of a difficult global trading environment, and shows that Irish exports have remained competitive on world markets. Roughly similar gains were made in the previous two years. In relation to Services exports, the rate of growth is very impressive, with these exports growing by 17% last year, which followed increases of 9% and 14% respectively, in the previous two years.

The strategy of diversifying our export markets abroad, by concentrating on the wider EU, the US and Asia and the ongoing process of building on the higher value sectors of the economy, particularly in the knowledge-based areas, will ensure that Irish exporters will continue to rise to the challenges posed by the global trading environment and increase the value of their sales incrementally, for the future.

Trade Balance Statistics.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

142 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if current trends in respect of imports reflect goods previously produced within this economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15787/07]

In 2006 Ireland's total merchandise imports were valued at €60.4bn. The major categories of such imports were, in descending order, Computers (€10.4bn), Road vehicles (€4bn), Electrical machinery (€3.8bn), Petroleum and related products (€3.7bn), Miscellaneous manufactured articles €3bn), Medicinal and Pharmaceutical products (€2.2bn) and Telecommunications and Sound Equipment(€2.1bn).

In relation to some of these categories, it should be appreciated, that while many of these also feature in our exports, there is a pattern of semi-finished goods moving into and out of the country, as different processes are undertaken and as components are assembled. The fact that we are significant importers of the same goods in respect of which we are also major exporters, is a normal feature of globalised trading patterns.

It is true that there are other goods in the lower value — added sectors where Ireland is not as competitive as heretofore and such products are imported to a greater extent than in the past. However this trend is far outweighed by the very strong level of exports in the higher value added sectors of the economy, particularly in knowledge-based activities.

Work Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

143 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of work permits applied for to date in 2007; the number approved, refused or pending; the way these figures compare with the previous four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15788/07]

Officials in the Employment Permits Section of my Department have informed me the number of work permit applications received up to the 20th April 2007 is 7547, the number issued is 4930, the number refused is 554 and the remainder are currently being processed.

Employment Permit statistics for the previous four years are contained in the following table.

Year

Permits Issued

Permits Refused

2006

24,837

1,106

2005

27,100

1,131

2004

34,007

1,286

2003

47,490

1,627

Skills Strategy.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

144 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is satisfied regarding the adequacy of skills available to the workforce for the foreseeable future; if particular specific action is required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15789/07]

In an increasingly knowledge-based and globalised environment, the skills required are progressively becoming more sophisticated. The Government has made provision to ensure that we have the best assessment of future skills needs and the policies and training programmes in place to respond to them.

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

The recently launched National Skills Strategy is the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs' latest publication. This Strategy sets out clear long-term objectives in developing Ireland's human capital through upskilling, training and education for the period to 2020.

The National Skills Strategy will be essential in ensuring that Ireland's education and training systems are able to meet the future demands of industry in the medium to longer term. The National Skills Strategy again proves that if Ireland is to progress ahead of our competitors then we need to increase our focus on skills development at a number of levels.

Firstly, we need to increase the upskilling of 500,000 people in employment. According to the Strategy over 70% or 1.43 million of our current workforce will still be in employment in 2020.

Secondly, we need to ensure that the output from our education system reaches its potential. This will involve increasing focus on increasing participation rates in upper secondary level to 90% and ensuring the progression rate to third level increases to 70%. Thirdly, we need to address the skills needs of the immigrant population and those re-entering employment.

Achieving these targets will represent a significant challenge. It will require an integrated approach by industry, individuals and Government. It will also require recognition by both employers and individuals of the significant benefits that improved training and education has to offer in both economic and industrial terms.

The Government is fully committed to working with all the relevant stakeholders to improve the skills profile of the Irish labour force, to implement the recommendations of the National Skills Strategy and safeguard Ireland's future economic success.

Enterprise and Job Creation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

145 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which he and his Department have engaged with enterprises proposing to relocate to other economies with a view to addressing the cause or causes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15790/07]

State support for enterprise and job creation, including embedment and retention, is channelled through the industrial development agencies. While we have been very successful over the past decade in attracting investment and jobs we now face new challenges. We are no longer a low cost country with high levels of unemployment. Ireland is now a less competitive location for what might be called basic manufacturing or services type activities, with low cost destinations such as China and Central Europe much more attractive to investors engaged in these type of activities.

Consequently, the primary requirement now is for higher value added investment requiring high skill levels, in particular investment that is, as far as possible, innovation rather than production orientated and that links to an increasingly sophisticated business environment. Only economic activities with these characteristics can sustain our current cost and wage levels and allow us maintain economic growth.

IDA is actively seeking to facilitate a progression in the sophistication and breadth of its clients' Irish operations. This means not only increasing value added in their manufacturing operations, but also adding corporate level innovation (such as R&D) and service, logistics and supply chain management functions, and back office functions, alongside manufacturing. The objective is to create more rounded and strategically important operations within the overall corporation, which are better embedded and more suited to the competitive characteristics of the Irish economy in the medium to long term.

Enterprise Ireland offers an extensive suite of supports that assist client companies counteract competitive pressure without resorting to relocation. Some of the measures available include the Enterprise Ireland Productivity Improvement Fund to increase competitiveness through technology and training, a suite of R&D supports that are targeted at companies undertaking R&D for the first time, an extensive benchmarking service to encourage client companies to think about change and monitor progress, a TechSearch initiative to assist clients identify new technology acquisition opportunities, and a holistic supply chain capability building measure through the Supply Chain Management (SCM) Initiative.

I am satisfied that the strategies and policies being pursued by Agencies, in particular the focus on the elements of investment that best fit Ireland's competitive characteristics at this time and which is supported by a €13.6 billion investment in Enterprise by my own Department under the new National Development Plan, will provide the maximum positive sustainable benefit to our economy. Overall the Government is investing some €184 billion over the next seven years in securing the next step-change in our country's economic and social transformation. This investment will enable us build on the recent unprecedented levels of economic and social progress and continue to successfully compete in the global marketplace, delivering high quality employment opportunities for our people.

Question No. 146 answered with QuestionNo. 141.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

147 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the efforts that have been made to replace the jobs lost or relocated from County Kildare in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15792/07]

State support for enterprise and job creation is channelled through the industrial development agencies. While I may give general policy directives to the agencies I am precluded under the Industrial Development Acts from giving directives regarding individual undertakings or from giving preference to one area over others.

I have been assured by the agencies under the remit of my Department that they are actively endeavouring to attract new investment, to encourage the start-up of new businesses, to grow existing businesses and to develop the labour market in County Kildare.

IDA Ireland is promoting County Kildare as part of an integrated East Region with access to a population base of 1.5 million people. In recent years Kildare has attracted some world class manufacturing companies such as Intel, Wyeth Medica, Braun Oral B and Hewlett Packard. At present, there are 24 IDA supported companies in Kildare employing approximately 10,310 people.

The success of our economy over the last decade means that Ireland is now less competitive for lower end manufacturing type activities, with low cost destinations such as China and Central Europe much more attractive to investors engaged in these type of activities. To address this market shift IDA is refocusing to higher value type activities in areas such as International Services, Software, Financial Services and Pharmaceuticals and, in 2005, IFS (a financial services company) established a facility in the Millennium Park, Naas.

To support this strategy IDA Ireland is working closely with educational institutions in the County and is also working with FAS to provide guidance in developing the skill sets needed by those already in the workforce who are interested in upskilling.

Enterprise Ireland has a wide range of supports for start up companies. The Agency is actively involved in assisting Kildare-based client companies to grow and develop their businesses. Since 2004 Enterprise Ireland has approved over €7.8m in supports for client companies in Kildare and made payments exceeding €4m to help them grow their sales and exports and improve innovation and new product development. In 2006, there was a slight increase (168) in the numbers employed in Enterprise Ireland supported companies, with 167 companies now employing 5,430 people in the County. Employment growth in Kildare compares favourably with the national average.

In addition, Enterprise Ireland has supported the development of Community Enterprise Centres in County Kildare at Allenwood, Clane and Athy. Funding of over €698,000 has been approved for these Centres, which are significantly contributing to job creation. In order to ensure that NUI Maynooth continues to develop strong links with industry in the region, the Agency has, since 2004, approved funding to the College of over €2m to support innovation partnerships with industry.

I am satisfied that the efforts of the agencies, together with the roll out of the National Development Plan will continue to bear fruit for the people of County Kildare.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Pat Breen

Question:

148 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an application for rent supplement will be processed for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15764/07]

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes rent supplement, is administered on my behalf by the Community Welfare Division of the Health Service Executive.

The Executive has advised that the person concerned made an application for rent supplement earlier this month. However, the section of his application form relating to his housing needs which has to be completed by the local authority was not completed. Accordingly, the application could not be processed. The Executive further advise that the person concerned has been requested to have the application form fully completed and returned to the executive. On receipt of the completed application form his entitlement to rent supplement will be determined.

Social Welfare Code.

John Deasy

Question:

149 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if there are plans to extend the free travel scheme here to include Irish pensioners living in the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15639/07]

Seán Crowe

Question:

151 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the restrictions facing people with free travel passes who have disabilities, particularly near the border; and if he has plans to introduce all-Ireland free travel passes to people with disabilities. [15642/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 149 and 151 together.

The free travel scheme is available to all people living in the State aged 66 years or over. All carers in receipt of carer's allowance and carers of people in receipt of constant attendance or prescribed relative's allowance, regardless of their age, receive a free travel pass. It is also available to people under age 66 who are in receipt of certain disability type welfare payments, such as disability allowance, invalidity pension and blind person's pension. People resident in the State who are in receipt of a social security invalidity or disability payment from a country covered by EU Regulations, or from a country with which Ireland has a bilateral social security agreement, and who have been in receipt of this payment for at least 12 months, are also eligible for free travel.

The all-Ireland free travel scheme commenced on April 2nd. This scheme enables pensioners resident here and in Northern Ireland to travel free of charge on all eligible transport services on the island. The scheme extends the already existing cross-border free travel arrangements by allowing pensioners over the age of 66 and resident here to travel free of charge on all bus and rail services in Northern Ireland. Likewise, pensioners in Northern Ireland can travel free of charge on transport services in this State. Some 600,000 customers are in receipt of free travel in Ireland, of whom 430,000 are aged over 66 years. The balance of 170,000 free travel recipients are under the age of 66 and so do not qualify for the new scheme. The all-Ireland free travel scheme is based on the existence of criteria of entitlements to free travel North and South for pensioners over 66 and applies only to this category.

The extension of the scheme to an all Ireland free service for those people over age 66 represents a significant expansion in travel opportunities. I will continue to examine any opportunities to improve further and expand on what is a very comprehensive, seamless free travel scheme. Any such additional developments would have to be worked out in conjunction with the authorities in Northern Ireland.

The existing cross-border free travel scheme, introduced in July 1995, continues to apply to all free travel pass holders, to enable them make journeys from a point in Ireland to a destination in Northern Ireland. There have been a number of requests and enquiries in relation to the extension of entitlement to free travel in Ireland to Irish born people living outside Ireland, or to those in receipt of pensions from my Department, particularly in the UK when they return to Ireland for a visit.

I have been advised that it would not be possible to extend entitlement to free travel simply to Irish born people living abroad as to do so would be contrary to European legislation which prohibits discrimination on the grounds of nationality. More recently, the European Commission has indicated that to extend the scheme to people in receipt of an Irish pension could also be considered discriminatory. I have raised the issue with Commissioner Špidla and officials from my Department met with European Commission officials on a number of occasions in an effort to clarify the legal issues involved. I am keeping this issue under review.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Michael Ring

Question:

150 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the average delay in finalising appeals for each category of social welfare payment; the number of appeal applications received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office in 2006 and to date in 2007; the number of those appeals that were finalised; the number of appeal applicants currently waiting on an oral hearing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15640/07]

There were 13,800 appeals received in 2006 and 14,006 finalised. There were 3,755 appeals received up to the end of March this year and 3, 629 finalised. As of that date, there were 1,610 appeals listed for oral hearings. During 2006 the average time taken to process all appeals (i.e. those decided summarily and by way of oral hearing) was 21 weeks. However, if allowance was made for the 25% most protracted cases, the average time fell to 13.8 weeks.

Oral hearings are granted at the discretion of the Appeals Officer usually in circumstances where there is a conflict in evidence presented by both parties or where an oral hearing is requested by the appellant in order to present his or her case. Given the logistics involved in organising oral hearings, the average length of time is increased by 8 weeks where an oral hearing is involved.

The processing time for appeals covers all phases of the appeal process including the submission by my Department of its comments on the grounds for the appeal, further examination by my Department's Medical Assessors in certain sickness related cases and the holding of oral hearings which are currently afforded in two out of three cases determined by Appeals Officers. Circumstances may arise, normally outside of the control of the Social Welfare Appeals Office, which have the effect of unduly prolonging the time taken to process appeals. For example, delays can occur where the appellant submits new information or evidence, often at an advanced stage in the proceedings. In some cases adjournments may be sought by the Appellant or his/her representative.

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. A breakdown of appeals processing times will be forwarded to the Deputy.

Question No. 151 answered with QuestionNo. 149.

Social Insurance.

Paul McGrath

Question:

152 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the surplus in the social insurance fund on the 31 December 2006 and for each of the past 10 years. [15653/07]

Details of the surplus amount in the Social Insurance Fund in each of the years since 1997 are as follows:

Year

Cumulative Surplus

1997

€8million

1998

€61million

1999

€330million

2000

€673million

2001

€1.2 billion

2002

€1.3 billion

2003

€1.5 billion

2004

€1.9 billion

2005

€2.4 billion

2006Provisional

€3.1 billion

Paul McGrath

Question:

153 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the employee contributions to the social insurance fund in 2006. [15654/07]

The estimated amount of employee PRSI contributions for 2006 is €1,380,234.

Paul McGrath

Question:

154 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the rate of contribution by employees to the social insurance fund. [15655/07]

Paul McGrath

Question:

155 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the effect of the halving of employee contribution to the social insurance fund. [15656/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 154 and 155 together.

The vast majority of employees pay social insurance contributions at the PRSI Class A rate. No contribution is paid where weekly earnings are €339 or less. Where earnings exceed €339 contributions are not paid on the first €127. The basic rate of employee class A contribution is4%. Different rates of contribution apply to public and civil servants, self-employed contributors, certain Ministers of religion employed by the Church of Ireland and defence force personnel.

Each of the contribution classes has different earnings thresholds and PRSI contribution rates payable. Detailed information on the rates and thresholds applying to the different classes will be forwarded to the Deputy. It is estimated that a decrease in the rate of contribution for ordinary employees from 4% to 2% would reduce social insurance fund income by some €720 million in a full year. For the balance of employed contributors, the estimated additional cost would be some €30 million in a full year.

Paul McGrath

Question:

156 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount paid into the social insurance fund and the amount paid out from the social insurance fund in 2005 and 2006. [15657/07]

Details of the amount paid into the social insurance fund and the amount paid out from the social insurance fund in 2005 and 2006 are as follows:

2005

2006

Income

6,159,018

6,997,152 (Provisional)

Expenditure

5,664,609

6,327,157 (Provisional)

The details in respect of 2006 are provisional, pending the completion of the social insurance fund account for that year.

Paul McGrath

Question:

157 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason there is not a bilateral agreement with Jersey in relation to PRSI contributions; and if he will initiate discussions on such an agreement. [15658/07]

Ireland has a number of social security Agreements with the United Kingdom dating back to the 1960s. Some years ago it was agreed between both States that a consolidation and update of these earlier Agreements should be carried out to take account of the legislative changes that had occurred in both States.

It was also agreed to modify these Agreements to extend their scope to people resident in the Channel Islands. Subsequently, a Convention on social security between Ireland and the United Kingdom was signed in Dublin on 14th December 2004 and the terms of the Convention were approved by Dáil Éireann on 19th April 2005.

This Agreement, when ratified will provide social protection to workers and their families moving between Ireland and the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. The Agreement not only protects pension entitlements, but also protects entitlement to certain short term payments, for example, unemployment and sickness.

Subsequent changes in United Kingdom legislation relating to the recognition of civil partnerships required amendments to certain provisions of the proposed Agreement insofar as they relate to United Kingdom social security system. It is hoped that the ratification process will be concluded within the coming months.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

158 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason there is such a long delay in processing applications for the carer’s allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15691/07]

Entitlement to carer's allowance is based on an applicant satisfying medical, means and residency conditions. In determining entitlement to the allowance there are, in certain cases, unavoidable time lags involved in making the necessary investigations and enquiries. Delays can also arise if persons applying for the allowance are not in a position to supply all the necessary information in support of their claim.

It takes fifteen weeks on average at present to finalise claims for carer's allowance. During 2006, the average was just over ten weeks and in 2005, the average was almost thirteen weeks. The reason for the current increase in average claim processing times is the increase in the number of claims being submitted.

The number of claims submitted in 2006 was more than 20% higher than the total for 2005. A number of steps were taken to deal with this, including the deployment of additional staff and a revision of processing procedures to improve efficiency. As a result, the number of claims finalised in 2006 was 9% higher than the total for 2005. While this led to an improvement in average claim processing times compared to the previous year, it did not keep pace with the increase in the volume of new claims. As a result, average claim processing times have lengthened in 2007.

The number of claims submitted so far this year shows a further increase of more than 5% compared to the same period last year. There are over 28,000 carer's allowances in payment at present, compared to 25,000 at the end of 2005 and 23,000 at the end of 2004. There are currently 2,977 cases awaiting a decision, of which 67% were received within the last eight weeks. The majority of claims currently on hands will be processed within fifteen weeks.

Many applicants for carer's allowance are already in receipt of another social welfare payment while their claim is being processed. Such payments will normally continue until entitlement to their carer's allowance is determined. Claimants who are not in receipt of any other social welfare payment may apply for supplementary welfare allowance in the interim period. The resources available to my Department must be deployed to ensure good customer service, to prevent fraud and abuse of the schemes and to achieve value for money.

My Department is engaged in an ongoing process to ensure that available resources are prioritised to the greatest extent possible on front line service delivery and to ensure that the best possible standard of response is provided across the range of schemes and services. The position will continue to be kept under review to ensure that the best possible level of customer service and customer response continues to be provided.

This approach brought about an improvement in claim processing times in 2006, compared to 2005. I am confident claim processing time will improve in the coming months.

Finian McGrath

Question:

159 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if persons (details supplied) in Dublin 5 qualify for rent allowance supplement; and if he will assist them on this issue and on their other entitlements. [15732/07]

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes rent supplement, is administered on behalf of my Department by the Health Service Executive. It provides for the payment of a weekly or monthly supplement in respect of rent to eligible persons in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation needs. Certain categories of people are excluded from receipt of rent supplement. These include people where either spouse or partner is engaged in full-time employment that is in excess of 30 hours per week. The Executive has advised that the people concerned were recently in contact with the local community welfare officer. While it is open to them at any time to apply for rent supplement, the information available to the Executive suggests that rent supplement would not be payable in this case. Their Local Community Welfare Officer has referred them to the local authority to have their housing needs assessed.

Michael Ring

Question:

160 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position of the case of persons (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the fact that the requested information was submitted. [15746/07]

The supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme, which is administered by the Community Welfare Division of the Health Service Executive, is designed to provide immediate and flexible assistance for those in need who do not qualify for payment under other State schemes. Under the legislation governing the scheme, the Health Service Executive may make an exceptional needs payment to people on social welfare or health board payments. This is a once-off payment to meet an unforeseen or special need that cannot be met from a person's basic income. Assistance in the form of an Urgent Needs Payment can be also made to persons who would not normally be entitled to SWA to assist, for example, in cases of flood damage with immediate needs such as food, clothing, fuel, household goods and perhaps shelter. Assistance can be provided in cash or in kind. The HSE has advised that information requested from the persons concerned regarding flood damage to their home has been received in the last week and is now being examined by the local Community Welfare Service. Direct contact will be made shortly with the persons concerned regarding their claim for assistance.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

161 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs further to his reply to Question No. 346 of 5 April 2007, if the applicant is entitled to a higher rate of supplementary welfare allowance while their application for residency status is still under appeal, or if €19.10 per week is deemed the maximum even in the event of a successful appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15801/07]

The Dublin/Mid-Leinster Area of the HSE has advised that the person concerned is an asylum seeker in receipt of a direct provision allowance of €19.10 granted to her when she resided at accommodation provided previously through the Reception and Integration Agency of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The HSE has further advised that in view of her moving from direct provision accommodation, the payment of this allowance is subject to review as this payment is normally only made to people in direct provision. However while the person concerned is appealing the refusal of asylum and seeking to remain in the country on humanitarian grounds, the HSE is continuing to pay the amount of €19.10 until her case has been decided by Department of Justice Equality and Law Reform. Pending this she is not entitled to payment under the standard supplementary welfare allowance scheme. Refugees and persons who have been granted leave to remain in the country are entitled to assistance under the social welfare system on the same basis as Irish citizens. For example, they can seek employment but if they are unable to secure employment they may qualify for jobseeker's allowance if they fulfil the standard conditions of being available for, capable of and genuinely seeking work and if their means are below the qualifying limit. Similarly, they may qualify for other supports, such as one-parent family payment, subject to the same conditions that apply to all other applicants for these payments.

EU Directives.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

162 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the articles of Directive 2005/66/EC which have been fully transposed; the articles which have not been fully transposed; the outstanding measures that are required of his Department under this Directive that have not been implemented; the deadline that applied or applies to each; the action he is taking to fully transpose the Directive; and the reason for the delay in doing so. [15774/07]

Articles 3 and 6 of Directive 2005/66/EC have been fully transposed. The provisions of Article 4, which has been partially transposed in respect of passenger cars with transposition in respect of small vans outstanding, and Article 5 are required to be implemented with effect from 25 May 2007. Regulations to fully transpose Articles 4 and 5 are being prepared by the Road Safety Authority who are responsible for vehicle standards.

Rural Transport Services.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

163 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will give consideration to an application under the rural transport scheme by a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [15667/07]

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 — which 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.

Grant Payments.

Michael Ring

Question:

164 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo was refused a grant. [15750/07]

I understand from Údarás na Gaeltachta that, as the activity for which the grant in question was sought involved commercial fishing, assistance could not be provided because of the rules governing State Aid.

Rural Development.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

165 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason it is his intention to interfere in the selection and subsequent election of chairpersons for the new rural development LEADER groups around the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15759/07]

I refer the Deputy to my previous replies to Questions Nos. 682, 683 and 689 on 24 April 2007 on this issue.

Milk Quota.

Liam Aylward

Question:

166 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the plans with her Department to have additional milk made available to farmers who wish to increase their quota levels in 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15637/07]

The Milk Quota Trading Scheme has replaced the Restructuring Scheme for the 2007/08 quota year and is the primary means by which milk quota is acquired by dairy producers. Yesterday I announced the aggregate results of the second stage of the scheme and I am pleased to say that overall the second Exchange has built on the success of the first. A near 100 per cent increase in the volume of quota traded through the exchange demonstrates that the scheme is meeting the requirements of most milk producers in a time of change for the sector. I am pleased that the volume of quota made available to priority categories such as young farmers and farmers with quota of less than 350,000 litres has increased by more than 30 per cent.

In the second stage, a total of just over 177 million litres of milk quota was offered for sale, with almost 124 million litres traded. Of this total, 86.2 million litres was sold on the exchange at prices ranging from 9 to 28 cent per litre, and 37.5 million litres was sold through the priority pool at the maximum price of 12 cent per litre, with the exception of two Co-ops where the priority pool quota was sold at exchange prices of 9 and 11 cent.

My Department will now undertake a thorough analysis of the Milk Quota Trading Scheme's first year results, and a comprehensive review of the scheme will be carried out in consultation with the main farming organisations and ICOS before the detailed arrangements for quota trading in the 2008/2009 milk quota year are agreed.

Direct Payment Schemes.

Liam Aylward

Question:

167 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will extend the closing date for receipt of applications under the 2007 single farm payment scheme in view of the fact that a number of farmers have difficulty in accessing the helpline telephone numbers advertised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15671/07]

The closing for receipt of applications under the 2007 Single Payment Scheme is 4 May 2007. In deciding on the closing date, I had in mind that, under EU Regulations, farmers could declare lands which they acquire up to 30 April 2007 in this year's Scheme and I was anxious, therefore, to give farmers every opportunity to acquire additional lands if this was necessary. I also had to bear in mind that it is important that the applications are submitted to my Department as soon as is possible. This will enable my Department to commence processing the applications in order to ensure prompt payment of the Single Farm Payment.

Since then my Department has issued pre-printed Single Payment and Payment Order of Entitlements application forms together with comprehensive information for the completion of these forms to all Scheme participants. In the case of the vast majority of farmers the issue of the application form with all of the pre-printed details will mean that, after carefully studying the form to ensure that the pre-printed details are correct, the farmer simply has to sign the form and return it to my Department.

As in previous years the issue of the pre-printed SPS application forms has been followed by a major increase in the volume of telephone queries to the eleven lo-call numbers in the Single Payment Unit.

In order to provide farmers with as much assistance as possible prior to the completion of their 2007 SPS application forms and to minimise any delays being experienced by callers to the lo-call numbers I undertook a number of additional initiatives this year. A series of countrywide Single Farm Payment one to one consultation sessions are currently in progress for farmers who have queries they wish to have answered before completing their 2007 SPS application forms.

Experienced staff from the Single Payment Unit are available for one-to-one personal consultations with individual farmers at each of the venues publicised from 6.00 pm to 10.00 pm. Farmers are assured that their queries will be dealt with in private by staff who are familiar with the queries that farmers have and have a working knowledge of the entire SPS. This facility will be of benefit to farmers with queries on the Single Farm Payment, including queries on:

their Single Farm Payment entitlements;

the transfer or trading of the entitlements;

the stacking of entitlements; and

land declarations.

I know that most farmers with queries will wish to contact the Single Payment Unit on the lo-call numbers provided. To meet the demand I extended the hours during which farmers may contact the Single Payment Unit lo-call numbers to include 6.00 pm to 10.00 pm Monday to Friday and from 1.00 pm to 6 pm on Saturday and Sunday. This after hour's service will remain in place until the closing date of 4 May.

The phone system in place allows continuous monitoring of calls to the lo-call numbers to ensure that undue delays in accessing any particular number can be addressed. Staff in the Single Payment Unit constantly monitors the volume of calls to each lo-call number to ensure that farmers contacting the lo-call numbers do not experience any undue delays. Where any such delays are identified specific measures are taken to minimise these.

I do not propose to extend the closing date for receipt of applications beyond 4 May. In fact, no approach has been made to my Department to grant an extension. However I will certainly keep the position with regard to access to the lo-call numbers in the Single Payment Unit under constant review over the coming week.

Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

168 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will reintroduce REP scheme 3 until such time as REP scheme 4 is agreed at EU level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15687/07]

It is not legally possible to reintroduce REPS 3, which formed part of the 2000–2006 Rural Development Plan. Under the relevant EU Regulations, no new REPS 3 contracts could start after the end of that programming period, i.e. December 2006.

REPS 4 will form part of the new Rural Development Plan for the period from 2007–2013 which was sent to the European Commission in 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.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

169 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the details of the early retirement pension for farmers will be available; when farmers can make application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15688/07]

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.

Grant Payments.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

170 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a top-up single payment will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and the reason for the delay in paying same. [15689/07]

The person named was paid €12,992.72 under the 2006 Single Payment Scheme. Entitlements had to be merged as part of a partnership agreement. There is a Dairy Premium top-up that is now being processed and this additional payment will issue shortly.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

171 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a single payment has not been made to persons (details supplied) in County Kerry; and the reason for the delay. [15690/07]

The persons named submitted an application under the Single Payment Scheme on 27 April 2006.

Outstanding issues relating to the payment have now been resolved and payment will issue shortly.

Tom McEllistrim

Question:

172 Mr. McEllistrim asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason persons (details supplied) in County Kerry were only paid half of their single farm payment when they were informed three months ago that they would be paid in full. [15692/07]

The persons named submitted an application under the Consolidation measure of the Single Payment Scheme. This case has now been processed and is accepted for Consolidation. Payment will issue in the coming days.

John Perry

Question:

173 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will make a favourable decision on the installation aid application of a person (details supplied) in view of the fact that the lands were in the process of being transferred under a deed of transfer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15712/07]

Additional information in relation to the application for payment, IAS 2, under the Installation Aid Scheme submitted by the person named was sought by my Department by letter of 22 March 2006 and further clarified at a recent meeting between officials of my Department and the person concerned. As no reply has yet been received to the issues raised in this letter, it is not possible to progress this application further.

Installation Aid Scheme.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

174 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the upper income limit for eligibility for installation aid is €40,000 or €50,000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15714/07]

The 2007-2013 Rural Development Programme provides for the continuation of the Installation Aid Scheme for eligible young farmers who are set-up in farming for the first time on or after 1 January 2007. The Scheme will be introduced as soon as EU approval is received for the Programme at which time the detailed eligibility criteria will be set down.

Question No. 175 withdrawn.

Grant Payments.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

176 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not been granted their 2006 single farm payment; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that all the legal work has been completed following their father’s death; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15758/07]

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 25th January 2007. During processing of the application it was necessary for an official of my Department to write to the person named to request specific documentation relating to the application. The requested documentation was received and the application is now fully processed. Payment of €7294.80 in respect of 21.97 entitlements transferred by way of inheritance issued to the person named on the 24th April 2007.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

177 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the situation regarding a person (details supplied) in County Cavan and their entitlements which were applied for over 12 months ago; her views on whether persons benefiting from inheritance should have to wait this long; if there is encouragement for young farmers to remain in farming; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15778/07]

As indicated to the Deputy in a previous answer the person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the 2005 Single Payment Scheme National Reserve under Categories A B and D.

Category A caters for farmers who inherited land or received land free of charge or for a nominal sum from a farmer who had retired or died by 16 May, 2005 and who had leased out his/her holding to a third party during the reference period 2000 to 2002. The person named was deemed unsuccessful under this category as the leased land was not acquired free of charge or for a nominal fee.

Category B caters for farmers who made an investment in production capacity in a farming sector for which a direct payment under Livestock Premia and/or Arable Aid schemes would have been payable during the reference period 2000 – 2002. Investments can include purchase or long term lease of land, purchase of suckler and/or ewe quota or other investments. The person named applied in relation to investment in land and was deemed successful.

A formal letter outlining my Department's decision on the National Reserve has issued to the person named and the relevant payment due has issued.

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 was not eligible under this category in 2005.

The person named submitted an appeal against this decision. This appeal was forwarded to the Independent Single Payments Appeals Committee who have completed their review and they have upheld my Department's decision. A letter outlining the decision of the Committee has issued to the person named. 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 person named has been deemed eligible under this category and a letter outlining my Department's decision and the relevant payment due will issue shortly.

The Deed of Transfer relating to the lands acquired by the person named is dated after the closing date for receipt of Single Payment applications in 2005. Therefore, it was not possible to take it into consideration when processing the 2005 National Reserve application. However it is eligible under the 2006 National Reserve.

World Trade Negotiations.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

178 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she has studied the IFA pre-election submission; her intentions to address the issues raised therein with particular reference to the World Trade Organisation and Ireland’s position as a food producing country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15779/07]

While the IFA submission has been forwarded to me, it is a pre-election submission addressed to political parties.

I have consistently taken a very clear position in relation to the WTO negotiations. As an open economy which is dependent on trade, Ireland has much to gain from the conclusion of a new WTO agreement and I am committed to an ambitious and balanced outcome to the current negotiations. However, I am determined that agriculture will not carry a disproportionate burden in achieving progress and that it will not be sacrificed for the sake of an overall agreement. My over-riding objective has been to ensure that, in accordance with the agreed EU negotiating mandate, a new WTO agreement will not necessitate further reform of the CAP. In this context, I will continue, as I have done in the past, to avail of every opportunity to emphasise the absolute necessity that the Commission remains within the terms of the negotiating mandate. I will also continue to work closely with like-minded Ministers in other Member States to seek support for my position.

Adult Education.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

179 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has plans to ensure that State agencies and Departments become more proactive in coordinating their involvement in promoting life-long education and training on an all Ireland basis, as per commitments under the current Common Chapter. [15776/07]

While the Further Education Section, which is the lead section of my Department in the area of lifelong learning as it relates to adults, operates in conjunction with its counterpart in Northern Ireland in certain activities, these activities did not form part of the Common Chapter.

Schools Building Projects.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

180 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science the efforts being made to ensure that a school (details supplied) in County Galway is kept open until an alternative school is built; the efforts being made to plan and build such a new school; her views on whether it is reasonable for students to have to be bussed to schools in other towns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15638/07]

The Trustees of the school referred to by the Deputies have confirmed their intention to close the school on a phased basis. As the Deputy may be aware, this school is a voluntary secondary school and the decision to withdraw as providers of education is within the remit of the Patron body, that is the Sisters of Mercy.

The Department has been informed by the Sisters of Mercy that the phased closure will commence in September 2007 with no intake of first year students and all junior cycle pupils will be given the option of proceeding to the senior cycle including the opportunity of to avail of a transition year.

The Deputy should note that the existing site and school buildings are not in the ownership of the Department. The Trustees have recently reaffirmed to the Department that the current site will not be available for the provision of post-primary education once the school closes.

Having considered the immediate implications of the decision by the Sisters of Mercy, I can confirm that my Department will facilitate the enrolment in the neighbouring Community School of students from the area in question by amending the existing catchment area. The area in question is an All-Girls Catchment Area and the boys from that area traditionally go to the neighbouring Community School where school transport is available for eligible boys.

The Government is conscious that many parts of South Galway are experiencing significant population growth and is determined to ensure sufficient school provision into the future. The question of where the expanded capacity will be located will be determined by an analysis of the pattern of population growth in the areas in terms of geographical location compared to where existing second level provision is situated.

Schools Recognition.

Enda Kenny

Question:

181 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science when a gaelscoil (details supplied) in County Dublin will get permanent recognition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15660/07]

The Department is currently assessing an application for permanent recognition from the school to which the Deputy refers. A decision will be taken in the matter as soon as possible.

School Accommodation.

Enda Kenny

Question:

182 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on whether, in view of the long waiting lists for primary schools in an area (details supplied) in County Dublin, a review of catchment areas is needed for primary schools in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15661/07]

I am conscious of the extent of housing developments in the Lucan area and the pressure that this has created for school places. In light of this, the Department has expanded capacity significantly at both primary and post primary level to cater for existing and newly emerging demands for pupil places.

There are twelve primary schools in the Lucan area including two new state of the art multi-denominational schools and a new Gaelscoil which commenced operation in September 2005. These developments together with a number of extensions to existing schools, the provision of temporary accommodation and the re-organisation of one school to enable the enrolment of an additional two junior infant classes has increased capacity significantly in the area. In addition, Scoil Mhuire, Archbishop Ryan JNS, St Thomas NS and Scoil Áine were recently given approval to commence the architectural planning process for major extensions and design teams for these projects will be appointed shortly.

Through a combination of these measures, the Department is satisfied that, between them, the schools have adequate accommodation to cater for current demand. The Department monitors primary pre-enrolment lists in the area on an on-going basis to ensure adequate capacity and will provide extra accommodation if needed.

At post primary level, recent building projects have increased capacity to 3,000 pupil places. Current enrolment is 2,476 pupils. Therefore, capacity exceeds demand by over 500 places currently. A building project for Lucan Community College will further increase capacity by 200 pupil places. We will continue to monitor demand to ensure that there are sufficient places into the future.

Schools Building Projects.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

183 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Science when she will make an announcement on the future of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and the way she envisages this campus being preserved for educational and community uses. [15678/07]

As the Deputy will be aware, the decision to close the school was taken by the Trustees because in line with demographic changes in the area, the school has experienced a steady decline in student numbers in recent years. Current enrolments in feeder primary schools indicate that this decline will continue. In fact, a general decline in enrolments in the area where the school is located has resulted in considerable spare capacity at post primary level. With such a decline in student numbers it would be difficult for the school to offer a broad and balanced curriculum.

When the school closes in June this year, the Department will take over ownership of the property. We will retain the property for educational use and will not sell any part of it. A number of different educational options are being considered.

Joe Walsh

Question:

184 Mr. Walsh asked the Minister for Education and Science when work will commence on the provision of a new gaelscoil for Clonakilty, County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15694/07]

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 were approved to progress under the School Building and Modernisation Programme. These will be progressed by way of appointment of design teams.

Special Educational Needs.

Liam Aylward

Question:

185 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will review the special needs requirements of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who currently has three and a half hours per week with a view to having one to one resource made available to them. [15695/07]

The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through the local special educational needs organiser (SENO), is responsible for processing applications from schools for special needs supports (SEN) such as resource teaching and special needs assistant (SNA) support on the basis of applications in respect of individual pupils.

The NCSE has confirmed that the pupil in question has an allocation of 3.5 individual resource teaching hours per week and also has shared access to the existing SNA support in the school. It is open to the parent to make direct contact with the local SENO regarding the SEN supports that are in place. Contact with the relevant SENO can be made by accessing the NCSE website at www.ncse.ie or by contacting the NCSE, Mill Street, Trim, Co. Meath, telephone number (046) 9486400.

School Transport.

Pat Breen

Question:

186 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason persons (details supplied) in County Clare are not facilitated with school transfer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15696/07]

Under the terms of my Department's Post Primary School Transport Scheme, a pupil is eligible for transport if s/he resides 4.8 kilometres or more from her/his local post primary education centre, that is, the centre serving the catchment area in which s/he lives.

Pupils who are eligible for transport to the education centre in the catchment area in which they reside may avail of ‘catchment boundary' transport to an education centre in another catchment area provided spare seats are available on the school bus.

The Transport Liaison Officer for County Clare has advised my Department that the pupils referred to in the details supplied are eligible for catchment boundary transport but the service is currently operating to capacity.

School Enrolments.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

187 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science if a new primary school will open in September 2007 in Celbridge; if enrolments are being accepted for this school; if a board of management or patron is in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15697/07]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I have approved the establishment of a new Parish primary school in Celbridge to commence operation next September. The relevant Sections in the Department have been notified of my decision. This will activate the required sanctions to enable all of the appropriate procedures to put in place to get the school up and running.

Court Proceedings.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

188 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children who are currently the subject of court challenges in relation to the provision of education; the number that relate to primary level and to second level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15698/07]

The number of children who are currently the subject of court proceedings in relation to the provision of education are as set out below:

Overall — 70

Primary — 43

Post-Primary — 27

However, it should be noted that a number of cases relating to education provision involve special educational need and/or home tuition rather than the primary or post primary sector per se. Further, the Deputy may wish to note that in some circumstances the child may have made the transition from primary to post primary in the course of proceedings, or that litigation may have arisen in respect of school non-attendance; there are a number of cases relating to minors in which the provision of education is one of a number of factors at issue between the parties, e.g. the provision of certain therapies, psychological assessment and related matters. Accordingly, the above provision of a breakdown of figures for primary and post primary level does not reflect the complexity of the matters before the Courts.

The information supplied relates only to minors, and does not include any legal challenges in respect of adult education. The above figures relate to educational provision: they do not include litigation arising in respect of Children Detention Schools and related matters which are the subject of the Children Act 2001 as amended by Part 12 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. The Deputy's reference to the "provision of education" has been taken to exclude those cases which do not relate to education provision e.g. actions relating to abuse in residential institutions; personal injuries claims by students or school staff against schools; school transport; industrial relations matters.

School Accommodation.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

189 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of successful appeals under Section 29 in 2005 and 2006 by county; the number of children who subsequently failed to be accommodated in the chosen school; the number who were provided with home tuition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15699/07]

The information requested by the Deputy on a county by county basis is not available within my Department and would involve an inordinate amount of administrative time to compile. However, I can inform the Deputy that in 2005 and 2006 a total of 300 and 263 appeals respectively were completed by my Department under Section 29 of the Education Act, 1998. These figures cover both first and second level students.

The position in relation to 2005 is that 41 appeals were withdrawn. A further 50 appeals were resolved by local agreement and 36 were resolved by an independent facilitator. The remaining 173 cases were heard by an appeals committee and of these 73 were upheld, in other words the appeal was successful.

In 2006, 65 appeals were withdrawn. A further 15 appeals were resolved by local agreement and 22 were resolved by an independent facilitator. The remaining 161 cases were heard by an appeals committee and of these 73 were upheld in favour of the appellant.

Where an appeal is upheld the Secretary General of my Department may direct the school in question to enrol the pupil and schools are obliged to comply with the Secretary General's directions. No statistical information is available in relation to schools that have yet to comply with the Secretary General's direction in relation to appeals which have been upheld.

Home tuition is sanctioned by my Department as an interim measure for the duration of an appeals process where a child is out of school or until an appropriate school placement has been secured. The information requested in relation to home tuition sanctions pending the outcome of Section 29 appeals is not readily available.

Special Educational Needs.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

190 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Education and Science the means of calculating the number of children with special education needs at primary level who will require special education at second level; the measure in the planning section that exists to ensure an appropriate school place is available in the school year it is needed for each child; the estimated number of children requiring a place in September 2007; the number of places available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15700/07]

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 from primary and post primary schools through its network of Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs). The SENO is also a focal point of contact for parents and schools.

The SENOs are appointed to districts which include primary and post primary schools and planning for transition to post primary schools occurs within this local environment. The approach taken is outlined in the guidelines which the NCSE issued to schools in March 2007.

The NCSE estimates that, based on 2005/2006 enrolment figures, approximately 5,000 pupils will require post primary placement in September 2007. The established practice is for my Department to make educational provision available for students up to, and including, the school year in which they reach eighteen years of age. Depending on the assessed needs of the student, such provision may be made in special schools or special classes or in mainstream primary or post-primary schools. Teaching support, care, transport and specialised equipment are provided as appropriate.

Computerisation Programme.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

191 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools connected to broadband by county and type of school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15717/07]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

192 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools each of the broadband companies have completed connection to; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15718/07]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

193 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools who were connected to a company (details supplied) before their collapse; if they have been connected to another supplier; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15719/07]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

194 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of the original budget for broadband connection for schools that has been spent; the amount of additional money being committed to complete the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15720/07]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

195 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the Government target in relation to the connection of schools to broadband; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15721/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 191 to 195, inclusive, together.

The Schools Broadband Access Programme involves the provision of broadband internet connectivity to all recognised primary and post-primary schools. This project is being undertaken in partnership with industry in the context of a Government — IBEC/TIF (Telecommunications and Internet Federation) Agreement to provide local broadband connectivity to schools. The Agreement provides for the establishment of a three year €18m joint Government-IBEC/TIF Fund, with industry contributing €5m per annum and the Government contributing €1m per annum.

The broadband connectivity is being provided via a Schools National Broadband Network supported by HEAnet, which will provide managed Internet access, email, security controls, content filtering and other services designed to enhance the educational process. A Broadband Support Service Desk has also been established to assist schools with advice and information relating to the roll-out and ongoing use of their broadband connectivity within the schools network. The overall cost of the Schools Broadband Access Programme, including the initial set-up and ongoing costs over the three years, were estimated at some €30m. At this stage, in the second year of the programme, approximately €18 million has already been spent.

Following a public tendering process, contracts were finalised in 2005 with six Service Providers for the provision of local access connectivity to 3,925 schools and with a further Provider for the installation of a broadband router at school level where appropriate. Roll out of the local connectivity and router installation commenced in June 2005 and the vast majority of schools(97%) have been successfully connected to the Network. My Department is monitoring the position of the outstanding schools, where the installation is awaited due to building programmes or installation difficulties. My Department is arranging for some 31 additional new schools to be connected to the Network.

The breakdown of the 3,796 schools that have been successfully connected to the Network by individual service providers is as follows:

BT Ireland: 288

Digiweb Ltd: 1,598

High Speed Data Solutions Ltd: 55

Irish Broadband Internet Services Ltd: 508

Last Mile Ltd: 169

Smart Telecom: 1,178

The position in relation to Smart Telecom is that the company is continuing to provide services as an authorised operator approved by the Commission for Communications Regulation.

A further 72 schools have had broadband access provided under the Hermes and Advanced Deployment programmes and therefore currently have broadband connections independent of the Schools Broadband Access Programme. The number of primary and post-primary schools with broadband connectivity by county (based on the Schools Broadband Access Programme installations and the Hermes and Advanced Deployment programmes) is appended for the Deputy's information.

It should be noted that a number of the schools that have not been connected under the Schools Broadband Access Programme will have their own independent broadband connectivity.

Number of Schools Connected to Broadband By County

County

Number of Primary Schools Connected to Broadband

Number of Post-Primary Schools Connected to Broadband

Total Number of Schools Connected to Broadband

Carlow

40

11

51

Cavan

78

11

89

Clare

116

18

134

Cork

360

82

442

Donegal

171

26

197

Dublin

431

172

603

Galway

234

45

279

Kerry

141

25

166

Kildare

96

27

123

Kilkenny

78

15

93

Laois

63

10

73

Leitrim

39

9

48

Limerick

141

34

175

Longford

41

9

50

Louth

71

17

88

Mayo

178

28

206

Meath

101

16

117

Monaghan

63

11

74

Offaly

67

12

79

Roscommon

93

8

101

Sligo

70

15

85

Tipperary

161

31

192

Waterford

74

18

92

Westmeath

73

15

88

Wexford

100

20

120

Wicklow

84

19

103

Total

3,164

704

3,868

Schools Building Projects.

Seán Ryan

Question:

196 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of the new school building for a school (details supplied) in County Dublin. [15725/07]

As the school to which the Deputy refers only has temporary recognition, it is not entitled to capital funding and the issue of a new school building does not arise at this time. When permanent recognition is awarded, the question of a permanent building for the school will be addressed.

Higher Education Grants.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

197 Ms O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if SSIA account interest will be taken into account in deciding higher education grant qualification for the 2007 to 2008 academic year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15737/07]

In relation to SSIA income, I want to assure the Deputy that the Government is determined to ensure that SSIA savers are treated fairly in the calculation of reckonable income under my Department's maintenance grant schemes.

This is being achieved in two ways: firstly, income from SSIAs is being treated exactly the same as income from similar savings and investment products; and secondly, the reckonable income limits for student grants have been increased considerably in recent years.

Since SSIAs were introduced, the amount of income to be included in respect of them is the government grant earned on the savings in the relevant tax year plus, in the case of savings accounts, the gross interest earned in the relevant tax year, and, in the case of investment accounts, the investment profit earned in the relevant tax year. Investment losses sustained in the relevant tax year are deductible.

The same position has long applied to interest earned on other savings products, including deposit accounts, post office savings certificates, life assurance bonds etc. The treatment of SSIAs is therefore consistent with the traditional treatment of other similar investments over many years. The Department of Finance is aware of this approach to the assessment of income for eligibility for student support.

So, in applying for a grant for the 2007/08 academic year, only the relevant income earned, as outlined above, on the SSIA in 2006 has to be declared. The maximum that the Government grant to any SSIA saver could have amounted to last year, as in any year of the SSIA scheme, is €762. This has been the position since SSIAs were introduced.

In relation to the income limits which apply when a person's eligibility for a grant is being assessed, the Deputy will be pleased to know that these have increased significantly since SSIAs were introduced.

The 2003/04 academic year was the first year in which the full year SSIA income had to be included in applying for a grant, as the reference tax year for the purpose of grant assessment was 2002.

For the 2003/04 academic year, the income limit for a family with 4 children was increased from €23,770 to €35,165– an increase of nearly 48%.

The income limits have continued to rise each year, to the point where the limit for a family with 4 children this year is €41,055 – an increase of nearly 73% on the amount allowed in the 2002/03 academic year.

As these increases show, this Government has shown a clear determination to improve the grant system to ensure that students get as much support as possible.

But, not only have we increased the income limits significantly, we have also made other improvements to the grants system:

We have introduced two new income thresholds to allow for 25% and 75% grants as well as the 50% and 100% rates;

We have brought in a new ‘top-up grant' to target extra funding at those who need it most; and

We have increased grant payment rates.

Indeed, the maximum level of the ordinary maintenance grant available this year is €3,110 – compared to €2,390 in 2002.The maximum level of the Top Up Grant in 2006/07 is €5,970 — compared to €3,000 in 2001/02.

This year, over €228 million has been allocated for the third level student support schemes.

School Transport.

Michael Ring

Question:

198 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will sanction the extension of a school transport service in County Mayo to facilitate a person (details supplied). [15751/07]

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. Pupils living off the main route of a service are generally expected to make their own way, or to be brought to convenient pick-up points along the main route. Home pick-ups were never envisaged as being part of the School Transport Scheme.

Bus Éireann, which are responsible for the day to day operation of the school transport scheme, on behalf of my Department, have advised that the pupil referred to by the Deputy, in the details supplied, resides 1.76 kilometres from the pick up point.

The family should liaise with Bus Éireann regarding the availability of a payable extension to the current service.

Computerisation Programme.

Michael Ring

Question:

199 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on providing a computer to a school (details supplied) in County Mayo. [15752/07]

Irish Summer Schools are privately run institutions and are not recognised primary or post-primary schools eligible for support under the ICT in Schools Programme. However, my Department does provide grant aid to recognised providers towards the cost of provision of these summer courses. Individual providers may apply to my Department for recognition of their courses and for the purposes of grant payments.

Schools Building Projects.

John Deasy

Question:

200 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the cost of providing prefabricated buildings for the past ten years at a school (details supplied) in County Waterford; and the cost per year. [15767/07]

The total amount spent on temporary accommodation from 1999 to the end of 2006 is €551,303. The breakdown of costs per year is outlined in the following table.

There is currently a permanent School Building project at an early stage of architectural planning at the school referred to by the Deputy. My Department has recently received a revised Stage 1/2 submission which is currently being examined. If the revised submission is approved, the project will be authorised to progress to the next stage of architectural planning.

Progression of the project to tender and construction will be considered in the context of the Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Holy Cross NS, Waterford

Year

Amount

1999

12,023.10

2000

29,373.09

2001

56,053.10

2002

76,246.06

2003

70,499.72

2004

65,057.24

2005

101,854.04

2006

140,196.75

Total

551,303.10

Higher Education Grants.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

201 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if a higher education grant is payable in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15780/07]

Under the terms of the Third Level Student Support Schemes, administered by the Local Authorities and Vocational Education Committees on behalf of my Department, a student is not eligible for grant assistance in respect of a second period of study at the same level, irrespective of whether or not a grant was paid previously.

The schemes also provide that grants may not be paid to candidates who already hold a postgraduate qualification and are pursuing a second postgraduate qualification.

However, the grant scheme was amended to provide financial assistance to eligible candidates who already hold a postgraduate qualification and who wish to enter a further postgraduate course at a higher level, which represents progression from the level at which the first qualification was attained.

I understand that the candidate referred to by the Deputy is currently pursuing a postgraduate course and wishes to subsequently undertake a further postgraduate course at Higher Diploma level. It would appear that the Higher Diploma will not represent progression in this instance and the candidate, therefore, would not be eligible for grant assistance.

It is not open to me, or my Department, to depart from the terms of the maintenance grants schemes in individual cases.

Local Authority Staff.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

202 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the staff numbers employed at the end of 2006 by each county, city and town council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15702/07]

Based on the information supplied by local authorities, the number of staff, expressed in whole time equivalents, employed by local authorities (including town councils) at the end of 2006 are included in the table below. Separate statistics for Town Councils are not yet available.

End of December 2006

Local Authority

Total

County Councils

Carlow

344

Cavan

501

Clare

922

Cork

2,623

Donegal

1,240

Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown

1,302

Fingal

1,592

Galway

1,029

Kerry

1,266

Kildare

1,035

Kilkenny

606

Laois

407

Leitrim

323

Limerick

856

Longford

383

Louth

769

Mayo

1,240

Meath

762

Monaghan

471

Offaly

512

Roscommon

591

Sligo

584

South Dublin

1,389

North Tipperary

552

South Tipperary

726

Waterford

605

Westmeath

552

Wexford

873

Wicklow

876

City Councils

Cork

1,561

Dublin

6,699

Galway

488

Limerick

549

Waterford

448

Note: Figures for County Councils include Town Councils.

Motor Taxation.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

203 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount collected by county in motor tax for 2006 including the amount collected through the online service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15703/07]

The amount of motor tax, which includes driving licence duties and other related charges, collected by each local authority and through the online motor tax service operated by my Department, for 2006 is set out in the following table.

Motor Tax Receipts 2006

County

Total Receipts

Carlow

10,151,892

Cavan

11,512,562

Clare

19,323,658

Cork

75,322,247

Donegal

24,766,816

Galway

36,335,693

Kerry

23,079,015

Kildare

26,113,408

Kilkenny

14,987,442

Laois

11,495,839

Leitrim

5,172,730

Limerick Co.

22,054,207

Longford

6,309,337

Louth

16,112,357

Mayo

20,542,009

Meath

26,976,043

Monaghan

11,033,944

Offaly

11,782,405

Roscommon

10,900,252

Sligo

10,421,545

N. Tipperary

12,528,299

S. Tipperary

15,857,063

Waterford Co.

10,607,297

Westmeath

13,730,214

Wexford

24,978,708

Wicklow

19,583,073

Dublin City

131,409,353

Limerick City

6,507,959

Waterford City

7,093,046

Online

243,016,800

Total

879,705,213

Road Safety.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

204 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the dialogue his Department and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has had in relation to the practical implementation of new safety rules relating to road improvement works; if he has been contacted by local authorities about difficulties being experienced; if so, the local authorities that have been in contact and the issues they have identified; if specific provision has been made for the additional signage and traffic management that must now accompany the road works; if so the amount by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15705/07]

A number of meetings have been held between my Department, the Department of Transport and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to discuss issues relating to the management of road works in the interest of road safety. My Department is also in regular, informal contact with local authorities in relation to this issue and the associated cost implications, and I have received correspondence from the Association of County and City Councillors on the issue. In addition, my Department is participating in the work of a sub-committee of the Local Government Management Services Board to assist in developing updated best practice guidelines, for the management of safety of road works, for use within the local government sector. I understand these new guidelines will be finalised very shortly.

In the case of works on non-national roads, costs associated with the proper and safe management of such works, are a matter for local authorities to be funded from their own resources supplemented by State road grants provided by my Department. Funding of works on national roads is a matter for the National Roads Authority and my Department has no function in the matter.

Accessibility Audits.

Catherine Murphy

Question:

205 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if it is intended to make provision for the implementation plans which are required following completion of accessibility audits as required by the Disability Act 2005; if a special fund will be introduced; if local authorities will be permitted to recruit additional staff to deal with the implementation plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15706/07]

As required under the Disability Act 2005, my Department's sectoral plan was approved by the Houses of the Oireachtas in October 2006. The plan, covering my Department, its partner bodies and local authorities, provides for a range of positive measures which will promote and pro-actively encourage equal opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate in the economic, social and cultural life of the community.

Under the sectoral plan each local authority is committed to carrying out an accessibility audit, by the end of April 2007, of all roads and streets, pavements and pedestrian crossings, public buildings, public parks, amenities and open spaces, heritage sites, public libraries and harbours within its control and to identifying the remedial action necessary to make them accessible. The accessibility audits also cover access to services and information. Each local authority will, within three months of completing the accessibility audit, draw up an implementation plan setting out a programme of actions and detailed costings to give effect to the commitments and objectives contained in the 2005 Act and in the sectoral plan.

Additional resources have been provided since 2005, as part of the National Disability Strategy multi-annual funding programme, to support work on accessibility audits and implementation undertaken by local authorities. I am providing a further €15 million in 2007 for this programme, which complements existing funding available to local authorities for mainstream public services. In addition to financial provisions, my Department is providing practical support to the local government sector by, for example, helping to develop a template implementation plan which will be made available to local authorities in the coming weeks.

Local authorities have been encouraged to build their own internal capacity for implementation purposes, while making judicious use of external expertise as necessary, and the ongoing funding programme has supported this combined approach. As set out in the plan, roles and functions in relation to access for people with disabilities are assigned at local level to specified staff, cross-functional teams and groups building on existing local authority structures. It is a matter for the City or County Manager concerned to make the necessary staffing and organisational arrangements for this purpose.

In line with Government policy on public service employment and subject to rigorous criteria, it is open to local authorities to set out priority short term staff needs and a number of local authorities have had short term posts approved to support the disability strategy.

Election Management System.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

206 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the person who has responsibility for the appointment of polling clerks and clerks in electoral areas (details supplied) in County Cork for the forthcoming general election; and the criteria for the appointment of such positions. [15727/07]

Under electoral law, returning officers are responsible for all matters in connection with the conduct of elections in the constituencies concerned. The detailed arrangements for the appointment of presiding officers and poll clerks are set out in section 95 of the Electoral Act 1992.

Inspection Certificates.

John Perry

Question:

207 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the inspection will be carried on a property (details supplied) in County Sligo to qualify for the rural renewal scheme as all documentations have been lodged; the reason for the delay; if it will be immediately carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15735/07]

An inspection, with a view to issuing a Certificate of Reasonable Cost if in order, has been arranged and will be carried out within the next two weeks.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Seán Ryan

Question:

208 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that persons accepting an affordable house from a local authority are obliged to take out cover under the local authority’s mortgage protection scheme and therefore are not allowed the freedom to acquire such cover from their own insurance company which in some cases can be at a cheaper rate; his views on whether this is anti-competitive and totally against the whole concept of affordable housing; and if he will modify the existing arrangements. [15763/07]

Where a loan for the purchase of an affordable house is sourced from a private lender, the options for mortgage protection insurance would be a matter for discussion between the borrower and the lending institution. In the case of a local authority loan, the cost of mortgage protection insurance is met by way of an additional charge to the rate of interest charged on individual loans. One of the conditions of the scheme, which is a group policy, is that it is obligatory for all local authority borrowers who meet the eligibility criteria to join. Altering this condition would have a negative impact on the scheme and increase costs for all existing borrowers.

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