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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 25 Oct 2007

Vol. 640 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 11, inclusive, answered orally.

Arts Funding.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

12 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will re-examine the grant application by a group (details supplied) in County Monaghan in view of the fact that significant moneys have been committed resulting from the St. Andrew’s Agreement towards the Border region; his views on whether in view of the new situation the Monaghan region should have additional opportunity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25365/07]

In April last funding of €32 million was awarded to the promoters of 67 projects nationwide under the Arts and Culture Capital Enhancement Support Scheme II (ACCESS II 2007-2009). The ACCESS scheme is designed to assist the provision of high standard arts and culture infrastructure, thereby enhancing access to the arts throughout the country, including the border region.

ACCESS has been widely acknowledged as a significant intervention in the provision of high quality arts and culture infrastructure around the country. It is expected that ACCESS II will also result in the creation of direct and indirect employment in the arts and in the local economies.

A total of 155 applications were received under the scheme. Funding of the order of €200 million was sought. As only €32m was available for disbursal, hard decisions had to be made and many worthy projects, including this one, were not offered funding. Nevertheless, a total of 67 projects in all (including two in Monaghan) were offered funding in this round.

All unsuccessful applications have been retained on file and will be re-considered should additional funding become available. The project promoters in question have also been advised by representatives from my Department to forward any additional information, which may assist that consideration process. I understand that my officials will be meeting the promoters shortly to discuss the project.

I have no statutory role in relation to funding stemming from the St. Andrews Agreement, but I can ensure the Deputy that any application for capital arts funding received by my Department will receive fair consideration and will be evaluated on its merits.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

13 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the sports and arts scholarships available from his Department for students wishing to attend third level education; the number of these that issued in the last year; the list of recipients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25653/07]

My Department currently funds two different third level scholarships. Both scholarship programmes are of five year duration, and were put in place to honour the memory of two seminal figures in the Irish literary and arts philanthropy world. The details are as follows: The Beckett Scholarship for Drama, in the Drama School at Dublin University, Trinity College.

The scholarship was put in place as part of the celebrations of the 100th Anniversary of the Birth of Samuel Beckett, Beckett 100, and will run for five years with a grant of €5,000 per annum from my Department. The scholarship is awarded by Trinity College, which also provides 50% of the funding. The scholarship is awarded after an open, transparent process confined to students in TCD, Beckett's alma mater. The beneficiary in 2006/7 was Nicholas Johnson. The beneficiary in 2007/8 is Jackie Blackman.The Lewis Glucksman Fellowship, University College Cork and New York University.

Under the fellowship, each year a student of History from University College Cork will receive a scholarship at Doctorate level and spend 12 months in New York University and a New York University student of International Contemporary Art will study for 12 months at University College Cork. The €50,000 per annum grant from my Department is half of the total cost of the two fellowships. The Fellowship programme will run for five years and will be subject to ongoing review. The first fellowship will be in 2007/8 academic year and the UCC beneficiary is David Fitzgerald, a PhD student. The fellowship programme was put in place to honour in a tangible and enduring way the seminal contribution of Lewis Glucksman to the Arts in this his adopted country.

There are no sports scholarships available from my Department but I understand that a number of our 3rd level institutions have such scholarships schemes in place.

Question No. 14 answered with QuestionNo. 6.

Tax Code.

Joe Carey

Question:

15 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will make representations to the Department of Finance prior to Budget 2008 to remove the requirement for VAT payments on fees to non-resident artists even up to a certain level of fee, in view of the huge impact this will have on smaller voluntary groups organising festivals and so on throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25622/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

16 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the discussions he has had with the Department of Finance in relation to VAT on fees paid to visiting performers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25661/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 16 together.

I am aware of the implications arising from the imposition of VAT on fees of non-resident performers. I fully understand and appreciate the concerns of the arts sector and indeed the huge impact this has on the not-for-profit arts sector.

I intend to raise this issue with the Minister for Finance in the context of the 2008 Finance Bill and I will update him on the impact on the not-for-profit arts sector of this legislation. However, it is important to note that I have no statutory function in relation to VAT and ultimately changes to VAT legislation are a matter for the Minister for Finance.

Sports Funding.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

17 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on whether the Border region deserves at least a fair share of the sports funding as against any other country in Ireland particularly in view of the fact that the national lottery gains so much additional funding from cross-Border activity; if he will make a commitment to ensure that they receive at least their fair share in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25364/07]

The sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, is the primary means of providing funding to sporting clubs, voluntary and community organisations towards the provision of sporting facilities at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis.

All applications received under the programme are assessed by my Department in accordance with a detailed set of assessment criteria as specified in the Guidelines, Terms and Conditions that accompany the application form for the programme. The assessment process also takes into account factors such as the existing level of facilities in an area, the number and quality of the applications received, the amount of funding being sought by each applicant and the strategic positioning of major facilities that may be required as well as the most recent Census of Population figures. Every effort is made to achieve a balanced geographical spread of funds throughout the country, while also affording priority to projects in areas of social and economic disadvantage.

Over €63 million in sports capital funding has been allocated to border counties between 1998 and 2007 inclusive. The breakdown of these allocations on a county basis is:

County

Capital Funding 1998-2007

Cavan

7,574,261

Donegal

27,697,895

Monaghan

8,663,676

Louth

14,097,635

Leitrim

5,299,298

Total

63,332,785

Furthermore, it should be noted that these figures represent an average allocation per head, based on 2002 census figures, of more than 16% above the national average during that period.

I would also inform the Deputy that in regard to applications received under the 2007 programme, an average of 87.7% of valid applications from these five counties were funded.

In regard to current funding for sport in the border counties, funding for the development and promotion of sport is provided through the Irish Sports Council (ISC), the statutory agency established in 1999. The ISC's primary source of support for the regions is through the Local Sports Partnership (LSP) network. At present, there are LSPs in two of the border counties — Donegal and Monaghan. To date, Donegal has received €1,127,822 in ISC funding in respect of the period from 2001 to 2007 and Monaghan has received €193,037 in respect of the period 2004 –2007. The process of establishing LSPs in the other border counties is well underway and the national LSP network should be in place in the first half of 2008. Funding to the newer LSPs will then be allocated as part of the annual LSP grant process.

Film Industry Development.

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

18 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if, in view of the fall off in the number of large scale feature films filmed here during the past two years, he will review Section 481 to provide greater incentives for film-makers to invest in the Irish film industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25631/07]

The task of attracting international production into Ireland is dependent on a number of elements, not all of which fall within the sphere of influence of my Department or that of the Irish Film Board (IFB). Decisions to site a film project in a particular territory involve complex funding (the unfavourable exchange rate continues to affect the level of US production in Ireland), cultural, logistical and project-specific elements, all of which are crucial for a successful result.

Primary responsibility for the support and promotion of film-making in Ireland in respect of both the indigenous sector and inward productions is a matter for the Irish Film Board. This agency is funded through my Department and is independent of the Department in its operations.

My Department's primary operational role in supporting the film sector relates to the administration of elements of the Section 481 tax relief scheme. The scheme is kept under review in conjunction with the Irish Film Board and any necessary amendments to retain or regain competitiveness will be addressed and brought to the attention of the Minister for Finance as appropriate. In that regard, the Department of Finance in conjunction with my Department is currently finalising a review of the case for improvement in respect of the Section 481 scheme. Consultants have been appointed by the Department of Finance and it is envisaged that their report will identify a structured way forward to develop and consolidate the Irish film industry, taking account of the serious international competition issues now apparent. The report is expected to be completed in the next few weeks.

I believe that the industry in Ireland has never been stronger in terms of international acclaim. This is evidenced by the Palme d'Or for the "Wind that Shakes the Barley," the Cannes award in 2007 for "Garage", the Oscar for "Six Shooter", the Sundance award for "Once" and two Emmys for "The Tudors". Our challenge is to build on those successes and the Film Board and I are committed to doing that.

Sports Funding.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

19 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will report on the provision of sports grants to clubs and schools in disadvantaged areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25662/07]

Under the sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, grants are allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country.

One of the stated aims and objectives of the sports capital programme is to prioritise the needs of disadvantaged areas in the provision of facilities. Since 2002, it was decided that only those areas that have been designated by Government for special support through the schemes administered by Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, i.e. RAPID, Local Drugs Task Force and CLAR areas should be treated as disadvantaged under the programme.

Projects identified as being located in areas designated as disadvantaged are targeted and prioritised in a number of ways during the assessment of applications. They are permitted to have a lower level of minimum own funding available (20% as against the normal 30%) towards their project, and extra marks are also awarded to such projects during the assessment process under the level of socio-economic disadvantage criterion.

Successful projects under the Sports Capital Programme in CLAR and RAPID areas may qualify to receive top-up funding, payable by the Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, in addition to their sports capital allocation. In the case of projects located in CLAR areas, this top-up funding can be up to 20% of the sports capital grant amount; in the case of projects located in RAPID areas which are also endorsed by their local Area Implementation Team, the top-up funding can be up to 30%.

The 2007 Sports Capital Programme was advertised in the national press in October 2006. The closing date for receipt of completed applications was 24th November 2006. Over 1,530 applications were received for the programme and provisional allocations totalling €85 million were made to 935 projects on 5th April last.

For the Deputy's information, grants totalling €38,679,550 were allocated to 455 projects in disadvantaged areas. To date, my colleague the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs has announced top-ups for qualifying grantees of €6,412,510.

Finally, in relation to funding for schools, I should point out to the Deputy that applications to the programme from primary and post-primary schools and colleges must be made jointly with local sports clubs or community groups and must as a minimum demonstrate that the local community will have significant access to the proposed facility when it is not being used by the school or college itself. In this regard, the minimum requirement is at least 30 hours a week throughout the year.

National Concert Hall.

Shane McEntee

Question:

20 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will report on the redevelopment of the National Concert Hall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25604/07]

John O'Mahony

Question:

48 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the estimated total cost of the refurbishment and extension of the National Concert Hall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25596/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 48 together.

The position, as stated in my reply of 5th July 2007 to Parliamentary Question No.18, is that the redeveloped Concert Hall will incorporate a main auditorium with a seating capacity for 2,000 patrons, the existing auditorium, which will be retained as a rehearsal hall and a mid-scale public performance space, and a smaller flexible hall. This three-hall configuration will enable the National Concert Hall to provide for public demand including the staging of key performances by top-class world artistes at reasonable ticket prices. The redeveloped Concert Hall will meet the requirement for universal access. Furthermore, the proposal incorporates easy access for large articulated trucks transporting orchestral and concert equipment. It is envisaged that the Earlsfort Terrace buildings would be re-united with the Iveagh Gardens, facilitating increased public access. New public rooms, cafes and restaurants would over-look the Gardens and the city. The new facility, when constructed, will enable the National Concert Hall to provide for public demand including the staging of key performances by top-class world artistes at reasonable ticket prices.

The project is overseen by an Interagency Steering Committee. The task of this committee is to oversee the procurement, negotiation and construction phases of the design/build/finance and maintain PPP for the redevelopment of the Hall, in compliance with relevant Department of Finance Guidelines and in adherence to the terms of the Government Decisions germane to the project. The Committee is also charged with realising the vision set for the project.

I am not in a position to give figures at this stage as to the total cost. The actual total cost associated with the redevelopment of the National Concert Hall will depend on the terms of the contract which will be placed for this PPP project. That cost will be determined as a result of the PPP competition. Clearly in the compilation of the Public Sector Benchmark (PSB), against which all PPP bids will be assessed, an element will be built in for construction costs. That PSB and its component parts (of which construction costs is only one) has to remain confidential, of course, to protect the integrity of the PPP competition.

Swimming Pool Projects.

Noel Coonan

Question:

21 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position on the proposed swimming pool in Roscrea, County Tipperary; the position with regard to capital funding; when he expects construction to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25762/07]

Under the terms of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme, the Contract Documents for the proposed new public swimming pool in Roscrea were approved in July, 2006, permitting North Tipperary County Council to go to tender for construction of the project. Details of the tender recommended by the County Council were received in my Department in April 2007 and have been cleared by the Department's technical advisers, the Office of Public Works. However, before I can approve the tender and formally allocate the maximum grant of €3.8m for the project, the local authority must ensure that the funding for the entire project is in place. At present a shortfall in the overall funding for the project exists and my Department is in consultation with the Local Authority with a view to establishing mechanisms to address the shortfall.

Question No. 22 answered with QuestionNo. 11.

Local Authority Rates.

Brian Hayes

Question:

23 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has had discussions with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to investigate the possibility of exempting sports bodies from commercial rates in view of the considerable pressure that this places on sports organisations in all parts of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22331/07]

The position in relation to this matter is that my Department has no responsibility in relation to commercial rates.

I have not discussed this matter with the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government, though representations received in respect of a particular club were forwarded to the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government for his attention. While that Department has responsibility for Local Authorities who collect commercial rates, the matter raised in this question and also in the representations would appear to require a change to the Valuation Act 2001 which I understand is the responsibility of the Minister for Finance. The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government have therefore sent the said representations to the Minister of Finance for his consideration.

The Department of Finance have advised my officials that the situation with regard to commercial rates and sporting bodies is that in accordance with the Valuation Act 2001, sports clubs which are licensed to sell alcohol and registered under the Registration of Club (Ireland) Act, 1904 are rateably valued as licensed clubs in their entirety, which includes all the buildings in the club notwithstanding their various uses at different times. The operation of the licence by the sports club is regarded as a commercial activity and these licensed club premises are competing with other licensed premises, all of which are rateable.

The Department of Finance has further advised that there are no plans at present to amend the valuation legislation as currently applied to licensed club premises.

Sport and Recreational Development.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

24 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the provisions he has made to encourage people of different nationalities to participate in sport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25663/07]

The Irish Sports Council, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for encouraging the promotion, development and co-ordination of competitive sport and for increasing participation in recreational sport.

The Council's basic philosophy is, therefore, one of inclusion and its Statement of Strategy recognises the potential of sport to be a driver for social change dealing with issues such as exclusion and social inequality.

All sports agencies funded by the Council, including National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships, are encouraged to target all sections of society in seeking to increase participation in sport.

Apart from these general participation programmes and initiatives, the Council is also involved, indirectly and directly, in a number of successful initiatives that seek to encourage people of other nationalities to participate in sport. Typically these programmes are funded through the National Programme Against Racism (NPAR) administered by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

Another recent development, partly supported by the Council, is the appointment by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) of an Intercultural Officer, the first such appointment to be made in the country.

The Deputy will also be aware that under the Sport Capital and Local Authority Swimming Pool Programmes the Department is supporting a range of sporting facilities which contribute to the greater involvement of people in sporting activities.

Abbey Theatre Development.

Simon Coveney

Question:

25 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will report on the development of the new Abbey Theatre; if it is possible to give this project added momentum in order to bring it to completion as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25623/07]

Shane McEntee

Question:

55 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress on the planned new national theatre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25597/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 55 together.

It is of paramount importance that all necessary steps are taken to ensure that a project of this significance and complexity be properly organized and managed. In 2006 the Government decided to proceed with the redevelopment of the Abbey Theatre at George's Dock on a Build, Finance and Maintain (BFM) basis. Arising from the Government decision, an Interagency Steering Committee was set up to oversee this project. The Committee is chaired by my Department and comprises representatives of the National Development Finance Agency, the Office of Public Works, the Abbey Theatre and the Dublin Docklands Development Agency.

The Steering Group has met six times and is due to meet again on 13th December. At its first meeting in December 2006 the Committee decided, inter alia, that the Office of Public Works should prepare the documentation necessary for holding an international design competition for the new Abbey Theatre.

A Project Team, chaired by the Office of Public Works and representative of the same agencies as the Steering Group has also been set up and is currently overseeing the arrangements for holding the international design competition. The OPW has asked the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) to organise the competition. The RIAI, with the assistance of the OPW and input from all key stakeholders is in the process of drafting the competition regulations. The technical documentation for the competition must be very carefully specified.

A jury was appointed last week to select the winning design. The jury has representatives from the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, the OPW, the Dublin Docklands Development Authority, the Arts Council and the Abbey. It also includes international figures in the architectural and theatre worlds. It is expected that the design competition will be completed by the middle of 2008.

Discussions are currently ongoing in relation to the detailed accommodation brief for the new theatre. In the meantime, OPW are working on preliminary drafting of output specifications and liaising with the NDFA on assembling technical advisory teams, including theatre consultants and acoustic consultants, with a view to progressing the project as much as possible while the design competition is being held. The National Development Finance Agency has recently appointed legal advisers and financial advisers arising from a market exercise. A Process Auditor has also been appointed, in accordance with Department of Finance Guidelines.

When a winning design has been chosen, the National Development Finance Agency will oversee the PPP procurement process, in accordance with PPP guidelines.

Tourism Promotion.

Ulick Burke

Question:

26 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the plans he has to ensure that the Shannon Region and the mid-west generally benefit from the potential of Open Skies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25591/07]

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

36 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the support that will be given to the tourism agencies in order to promote sustainable tourism strategies in the mid west that will help to maintain visitor numbers in view of the Aer Lingus decision on the Shannon Heathrow route and the Open Skies agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25667/07]

Charles Flanagan

Question:

47 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the efforts being made either directly by his Department or by agencies under his remit to boost tourism in the mid-west following the loss of the Heathrow slots and to maximise the potential of Open Skies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25565/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 26, 36 and 47 together.

The Minister for Transport is currently finalising an Economic and Tourism Development Plan for the wider Shannon Airport catchment area. The Plan has been prepared in consultation with the Department of Finance, the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment, the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and my own Department.

The purpose of the plan is to ensure that the region is well placed to respond to the challenges and opportunities emerging in the context of full liberalisation of the transatlantic aviation market and the phasing out of the Shannon Stop as envisaged under the EU-US Open Skies Agreement.

The Tourism Agencies are acutely aware of the need to respond in a positive and proactive way to the challenges facing the region and both I and my Department have been in dialogue with them about this.

In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, an appropriate tourism initiative has been formulated in the context of the development of the Plan and I expect that, subject to approval of the Plan, fuller details will emerge closer to Budget day.

Arts Promotion.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

27 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his preferred options for the promotion of the arts in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25763/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

106 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his preferred options for the promotion of the arts at community level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25915/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

107 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will adopt proposals to encourage participation in the arts at local level. [25916/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 27, 106 and 107 together.

Government Policy on the Arts is set out in the Programme for Government and will be elaborated further in my Department's Statement of Strategy. My policy on the arts is to promote and strengthen the arts in all its forms, increase access to and participation in the arts, and make the arts an integral and valued part of our national life.

Responsibility for the promotion of the arts at all levels throughout the country is primarily devolved to the Arts Council. The Arts Council is the principal agency through which State funding is channelled to the arts. Under the Arts Act, 2003, the general functions of the Council include the following:

to stimulate public interest in the arts;

to promote knowledge, appreciation and practice of the arts;

to assist in improving standards in the arts.

The Arts Council is a statutorily independent body, funded by my Department and independent in its day-to-day operations, including in relation to its funding decisions. Funding for the Arts Council has increased by almost 68% from €47.67 million in 2002 to €80 million in 2007. These are significant amounts of money in any context and have transformed and increased access to the arts and allowed the Arts Council to support artists and arts organisations nationwide. The Government's commitment to the arts is evidenced by these large increases in funding to the Arts Council.

My Department has taken a direct role in relation to the provision of grant-aid for arts and culture infrastructure and has provided substantial funding for the capital development of facilities around the country in recent years. For example, my Department has provided over €43m to 40 arts facilities through the Arts and Culture Capital Enhancement Support Scheme (ACCESS). Furthermore On 24th April last, funding of €32 million was offered to the promoters of 67 projects nationwide under the Arts and Culture Capital Enhancement Support Scheme II (ACCESS II 2007-2009).

The ACCESS scheme is designed to assist in the provision of high standard arts and culture infrastructure, thereby enhancing access to the arts throughout the country. ACCESS has been widely acknowledged as a significant intervention in the provision of high quality arts and culture infrastructure around the country.

Arts Funding.

Liz McManus

Question:

28 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will increase the funding given to Culture Ireland; if he will enable the establishment of a support structure to help the marketing of the arts abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25658/07]

The funding for Culture Ireland is being considered, along with that of all other agencies under my Department, as part of the annual Estimates process. The importance of the work of Culture Ireland has been recognised during its start up phase by a 50% increase each year since it was established in 2005 with an initial budget of €2m.

The Government approved the establishment of Culture Ireland on a statutory basis earlier this year and my Department is currently working through the legislative process in this regard.

Culture Ireland, in just over two years in existence, has achieved a great deal in the promotion and advancement of Irish arts abroad. Its support for the international presence of Irish artists and arts organisations has created new opportunities for Irish artists and has raised the awareness of Ireland as a global centre of arts, creativity and innovation. This, in turn, will lead to Ireland being recognised as a preferred destination for tourism, trade and investment.

Anti-Doping Measures.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

29 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he is satisfied that the new measures introduced to deal with the doping of greyhounds are adequate to deal with the use of cocaine and other performance enhancing drugs; and the position in relation to legislation on the issue. [25199/07]

On the completion of an independent assessment of certain corporate governance and doping issues affecting Bord na gCon, conducted by Mr. Tim Dalton, the Government approved a number of specific actions to be taken. A number of the recommendations require an amendment of existing legislation and work is ongoing on the legislation to implement these recommendations.

Bord na gCon is the statutory body responsible for the greyhound racing industry, including integrity management and anti-doping controls. In relation to the establishment of an independent Doping Control Committee, it was decided that new arrangements should not be delayed until the relevant legislative changes were made and should be implemented by the Board, using its existing powers.

Accordingly, an independent Control Committee and a Control Appeal Committee have been established to adjudicate on all matters concerning the integrity of greyhound racing. The Control Committee held its first meeting on 25 July 2007 and, after allowing the appropriate period for appeals from decisions of the Committee, the findings in all cases were published in accordance with the regulations established by the Board.

In cases involving serious prohibited substances, the Committee imposed substantial fines (and, in some instances, forfeiture of prize money) and believes this will act as an appropriate deterrent going forward.

I am advised that under its established prohibited substance testing policy, Bord na gCon conducts random testing, targeted testing and pre- and post-race testing. Sample analysis is conducted by the Board's National Greyhound Laboratory, which operates to the highest level of industry accreditation. I am further advised that the laboratory is continually reviewing and improving its testing methodologies for the detection of prohibited substances.

I am confident that the testing regime employed by Bord na gCon and the appointment of the independent Control and Control Appeal Committees will be effective in monitoring and controlling the use of prohibited substances.

Tourism Industry.

Terence Flanagan

Question:

30 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if the target of doubling overseas visitor spend by 2012 is still realistic in view of the changing world travel climate; if a review of plans to achieve that strategy is necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25640/07]

The Report of the Tourism Policy Review Group, New Horizons for Irish Tourism: An Agenda for Action, was published in September 2003. It set out a 10 year Strategy for the tourism sector and laid down ambitious targets for the industry namely, 10 million visitors per annum and €6 billion in foreign revenue earnings by 2012.

Following publication of the New Horizons Report, a high level group — the Tourism Action Plan Implementation Group — was appointed to oversee implementation of the Strategy and its final report in 2006 highlighted that good progress had been made on over 80% of the seventy six actions recommended by the Review Group in the initial two year action plan.

The progress report also pointed to a number of areas where progress had been less satisfactory, including pressure on competitiveness, the need for innovation and product development, variations in performance between urban and rural areas and the visitor experience at Dublin Airport.

A new Tourism Strategy Implementation Group was appointed in 2006 to oversee the implementation of the outstanding recommendations in the New Horizons report, to review the targets in the light of performance to date, and to recommend a possible framework for a mid term review due to take place next year.

The Implementation Group has met on a number of occasions and is working with the tourism industry and public sector bodies to help address a number of key areas of concern, including value for money, productivity and skills, sustainability, regional spread and product development.

2006 was a record year for Irish tourism with an all time high of 7.7 million overseas visitors to the country representing a 10.5% increase on 2005. The outcome was more than double the target of 5% growth which was set for the year. Foreign revenue earnings in 2006 were €4.7bn, an increase of almost 10% on 2005.

The Tourism Strategy Implementation Group is at present preparing a progress report, outlining achievements in the sector over the past two years and initiatives underway to address ongoing challenges. A key element in its report will be an analysis of the statistical targets set in the New Horizons report and progress toward achievement. Work to date shows that over the period 2002 to 2006 total overseas visitor numbers have grown slightly ahead of targets, while revenue in real terms has grown at a slower rate.

Crime Levels.

John Perry

Question:

31 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will liaise with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and bring to his attention the hugely detrimental impact on tourism of the high level of crime directed against tourists in this country and specifically the impact on language school tourism resulting from the recent appalling murder of a young girl; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25627/07]

Crime and measures to prevent and combat it are, as the Deputy is aware, matters for the Department of Justice Equality and Law Reform and An Garda Síochána, with whom my Department liaises on a number of issues of common concern, as they arise.

At the outset, I want to take this opportunity to extend, on my own behalf, on behalf of the Irish tourism sector and, I am sure, on behalf of all Members of the House, my heartfelt sympathies toward the parents, relatives and friends of this young girl (Manuela Riedo) who suffered such a tragic and senseless death.

We are all aware of the impact a crime can have on a person and his or her family. Those who are away from home, such as students and tourists, are even more vulnerable to such impacts. They are in a strange environment and their problems can be compounded by language, cultural and legal issues.

However, I would ask the House to note that there is no basis for the assertion that there is a high level of crime directed against tourists in this country. In international terms Ireland is regarded as a safe destination. It may not be widely known but Ireland is seen as a ‘best practice' model in Europe in terms of the support it provides tourists in the aftermath of crime.

Of course, while the overwhelming majority of our visitors do not encounter crime, I do not consider that there is any acceptable level of crime and I believe that one outrage is one too many.

I am advised by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform that a number of initiatives have been undertaken by the Community Relations Section of An Garda Síochána during the last ten years in response to crime directed against tourists in Ireland.

My Department also liaises with the Irish Tourist Assistance Service (ITAS), which receives funding from Fáilte Ireland as well as from the Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime. ITAS offers support and assistance to tourists who may become victims of crime while visiting Ireland. The service was launched in 1994 and, since that time, has, I understand, assisted over 8,000 visitors. In contrast, we received 7.7 million visitors in 2006 alone.

I can say that the effectiveness of our supports for tourists in difficulties is illustrated by the fact that

96% of ITAS clients would still recommend Ireland as a holiday destination.

88%, on average, elect to continue their holidays.

96% said the help provided by ITAS was sufficient for their needs.

While it is too early at present to assess fully the impact this tragedy may have on the EFL (English as a Foreign Language) market, I am advised that Fáilte Ireland will closely monitor the impact of the death of the Swiss student in Galway on this large and growing niche market.

Based on a survey carried out by Fáilte Ireland in 2006 with the Advisory Council for English Language Schools there are over 130,000 EFL students coming to Ireland each year and the numbers are growing. A growth rate of 5.4% is expected for 2007. The main markets remain in Europe, with Italy, Spain and France being the top three. However, it is estimated that between 5,000 and 8,000 EFL students come from Switzerland each year.

Arts Policy.

John Perry

Question:

32 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will appoint an arts adviser to advise him on issues in relation to the arts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25625/07]

I am pleased that under successive recent Governments, the Arts have moved from the periphery of Government policies to its core. I am committed to ensuring that they remain at the very heart of Government policy and central to our nation's well-being. I am also committed to growing the Arts and Cultural communities and, in doing so, to highlight, in particular, their significant contribution to our country, culturally, socially and economically.

In that context, and building on the commitments in the Programme for Government and in the National Development Plan 2007-2013, I am currently considering how best to give effect to these objectives. With this in mind I have begun a process of widespread individual consultation with organisations, groups and individuals across the spectrum in the areas of Arts and Culture. I have written to all of these inviting them to meet with me, together with senior officials in my Department, on a regular basis to seek their advice on how we can work together in advancing our ambitions for Ireland in this area.

While listening carefully to what these organisations and individuals have to say on how best to progress in the future, my letter of invitation also set out a number of key themes that I wish to explore with them, including:

Increasing access to, and participation in, arts, culture and creative activities:

Building capacity, infrastructure and participation in the regions:

Enhancing the quality and reputation of Irish creative product at home and abroad;

Supporting the tourism market by bringing arts, culture and creative energies to the fore;

The promotion of Irish arts, culture and creative sector practitioners world-wide.

The opportunities and challenges posed by multiculturalism.

Greater engagement with the business community;

And ensuring adequate fiscal and other supports for the arts in all its guises.

A number of meetings in this extensive consultation process have already been held and I have found them to be very helpful and insightful in identifying the challenges, opportunities, issues and concerns affecting the arts and culture sectors. Should I feel, when the current round of individual meetings has been completed, that extra help and advice could be of benefit, I will review the option of appointing an arts adviser.

Sports Funding.

Mary Upton

Question:

33 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if, in view of the €191 million State funding that has been or will be provided for the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road, he will ensure that the stadium retains the name of Lansdowne Road and is not sold as corporate sponsorship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25650/07]

As the Deputy is aware, in January 2004, the Government agreed to provide funding of €191 m towards the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road Stadium as a 50,000-capacity all-seater state-of-the-art facility. It has been agreed with the IRFU and FAI who are jointly leading the project that they are to provide the balance of the funding.

I am informed that the IRFU and FAI are providing their respective shares of the funding through utilising a number of funding strategies and these include an initiative to evaluate and ultimately market the naming rights for the new stadium. The initiative regarding the naming rights is a matter for the sports organisations concerned which are independent, autonomous bodies responsible for the promotion and development of their sports at all levels throughout the country.

Film Industry Development.

Tom Hayes

Question:

34 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the annual budget of the Irish Film Commission Office in Los Angeles; the way, in its first year of existence, it has fulfilled its objectives of attracting new business opportunities for the Irish film industry and delivering increased US investment into the Irish economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25632/07]

The operation and performance of this office is a day-to-day matter for the Irish Film Board. It is a matter in which I have no statutory function. I will request the Irish Film Board to respond directly to the Deputy in the matter.

Arts Funding.

Jack Wall

Question:

35 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the capital funding available to help local community based arts and cultural organisations to undertake capital projects, in view of the ACCESS II scheme successful recipients being announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25659/07]

On 24th April last, allocations to the value of €32million were made to the promoters of 67 projects nationwide under the Arts and Culture Capital Enhancement Support Scheme II (ACCESS II 2007-2009). The ACCESS scheme is designed to assist the provision of high standard arts and culture infrastructure, thereby enhancing access to the arts throughout the country. This is the successor to the highly successful ACCESS I scheme, introduced in August 2001, which allocated funding of almost €43 million to 40 projects nationwide.

ACCESS has been widely acknowledged as a significant intervention in the provision of high quality arts and culture infrastructure around the country. It is expected that ACCESS II will also result in the creation of direct and indirect employment in the arts and in the local economies.

A total of 155 applications were received under the scheme. Funding of the order of €200 million was sought. All unsuccessful applications have been retained on file and will be re-considered should additional funding become available. The ACCESS Scheme includes a community funding strand under which the projects set out in the table were funded since 2001.

Project

Allocation

Abbeyfeale Music Studio

126,974

Ballyfermot Arts Centre

507,895

Banogue Parish Centre

68,566

Caherciveen Community Resource Centre, Kerry

25,000

Claremorris Arts Committee, Mayo

6,857

Cloyne Diocesan Youth Services, Cork

20,000

CYMS, Kilorglin

50,000

Enniscorthy Res. Centre

53,329

Feakle Amenity Resource Centre, Clare

8,888

Gleneagle concert Band

15,000

Horsewood Parochial Hall, Wexford

20,000

Kiltimagh Kino

44,441

Kiltimagh Town Hall Theatre, Mayo

300,000

Laharn Community Action Group, Cork

20,000

Leghawney Hall, Donegal

20,000

National Association of Youth Drama (NAYD)

59,534

Nenagh Community Arts Centre

487,000

Newbury Arts Centre

292,040

Old Courthouse Tulla

97,770

Scothouse Community Hall, Monaghan

20,000

St. Flannans Cathedral

88,882

St. Michael’s Hall, Wexford

20,000

St. Jos. Milltown Malbay, (€126,974) — withdrawn

0

Teach Ceol, Renvyle, Galway

20,000

West Clare Drama Festival

6,730

Total

2,378,906

My policy on the arts is to promote and strengthen the arts in all its forms, increase access to and participation in the arts and make the arts an integral and valued part of our national life. Any application for capital arts funding received by my Department will receive fair consideration and will be evaluated on its merits.

Question No. 36 answered with QuestionNo. 26.

Tourism Industry.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

37 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will ensure that the considerable cost of rebranding Tourism Ireland, should that be the review recommendation, will not be deducted from Tourism Ireland’s annual marketing budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25576/07]

As far as I am aware, there is no proposal to re-brand Tourism Ireland. The Deputy may be thinking of the current review of Tourism Brand Ireland which is nearing completion. Tourism Ireland is a jointly-funded North South body. The resourcing of Tourism Ireland and its Corporate and Business Plans are subject to the agreement of the North-South Ministerial Council. There are, therefore, two Ministers for Tourism, two Ministers for Finance and the North-South Ministerial Council involved in the process.

The extent to which the implementation of any recommendations, that may flow from Tourism Ireland's Brand Review, can be implemented by Tourism Ireland will be determined by the overall level of its budget which is, of course, subject to the normal Budgetary and Estimates processes, North and South, and also, of course, its own internal priorities.

I am positively disposed to seeking such resources as may be necessary to implement relevant recommendations but the eventual Southern contribution to the Agency for next year will have to be decided within the context of the national Budgetary process.

Sports Capital Programme.

Michael Creed

Question:

38 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress in respect of plans for a ground of first class standard for the Irish Cricket Union in view of the great recent success of the Irish cricket team; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25608/07]

The sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, is the primary means of providing funding to sporting clubs, voluntary and community organisations towards the provision of sporting facilities at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis. All applications received are evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme.

Since 2000, funding has been provided under the sports capital programme towards the improvement of the facilities at cricket's venue for hosting international matches, the Clontarf Cricket Club, and for the establishment of the national Centre of Excellence for the sport, at North County Cricket Club in Balbriggan, Co. Dublin. Since 2000, cricket has benefited from grant aid in the amount of almost €1.3m under the sports capital programme.

I have put on record my pride and delight at the outstanding performance of the Irish Cricket Team who qualified for the Super Eight stage at the Cricket World Cup in the West Indies. This was an unprecedented achievement for the Irish Cricket Team. I am also aware of the wish of the Irish Cricket Union to develop a new ground for cricket in Ireland. In this regard, I understand that the Irish Cricket Union has established a committee, chaired by the President of the Union, to draw up proposals and make recommendations in relation to the establishment of this facility. I look forward to receiving these proposals in due course.

Tourism Promotion.

Kieran O'Donnell

Question:

39 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the status of the report of the advisory group on the Church Records Computerisation Project; the actions being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25587/07]

The Advisory Group report on the Church pre-1900 Birth, Marriage and Death Records Computerisation Project was approved by my Department in August of this year. The Report concluded with a number of recommendations and included best practice guidelines for Irish genealogical websites.

The Report recommended that Irish Genealogy Limited (IGL) should operate with a revised role as, primarily, an advisory body for my Department on genealogy matters. A revised constitution has been drafted reflecting this new role and an extraordinary general meeting of IGL is due to be held in the near future to adopt the new documents of association after which I will be appointing the new IGL Board.

Arising from a recommendation in the Report that priority should be given to the computerisation of outstanding Dublin City Records, my Department has made very significant progress in partnership with Dublin City Public Libraries on the computerisation of Dublin City records. Work is ongoing to computerise the transcribed Catholic records (i.e. those transcribed to index cards) and it is anticipated that approximately 600,000 Dublin City records will have been computerised by the end of this year. This constitutes almost all of the transcribed records for the Dublin City parishes. A scoping group has also been established to assess the most effective method for the computerisation of the remaining un-transcribed records.

Officials from my Department have been in contact with a number of other genealogy centres, with a view to assisting them in completing the computerisation of their remaining records. The best practice guidelines for Irish genealogical websites have been circulated to all centres seeking funding.

By implementing the recommendations of the Advisory Group and in partnership with the various genealogy centres, it is hoped that significant progress will be made in making available a comprehensive set of records which can provide motivation for potential overseas visitors to visit Ireland, can enable people living in Ireland to carry out family research and can facilitate social research.

Andrew Doyle

Question:

40 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his attention has been drawn to the importance to tourism of transport access from the country’s major airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25643/07]

The importance of transport access to and from our major airports is clearly identified as a key element in the Government's strategies for the development of tourism. Of course, planning and investment in transport infrastructure in a matter for my colleague the Minister for Transport and the agencies under the aegis of his Department.

The report of the Tourism Policy Review Group, New Horizons for Irish Tourism: An Agenda for Action, published in September 2003, set out a comprehensive tourism development strategy for a ten-year period and included a detailed and practical action plan. Among the actions identified in the Report was the achievement of the early completion of the National Roads route network around international air and sea access points, significant upgrading of facilities and accelerating proposals for developing a metro link between Dublin airport and Dublin city centre.

In 2006, the Tourism Action Plan Implementation Group, which was appointed for a period of two years to oversee implementation of the recommendations, reported that good progress had been made on the transport infrastructure actions identified in New Horizons. In particular, the inclusion of these actions in Transport 21, the Government's medium-term investment framework for transport, was welcomed by the Implementation Group.

Since then, there has been continuing progress on transport access issues. For example, I understand that, following announcement of the selected route for Metro North from St Stephen's Green to Swords via the Airport in October 2006, the procurement process is well under way. Construction is due to commence in 2009 and finish in 2012.

I do not need to spell out in detail the very significant progress that has taken place in improving our road and rail infrastructure under the aegis of the Minister for Transport in the last few years. This has been paralleled by the ongoing investment in non-national roads by local authorities, funded by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government — which is also very significant for regional airports. The Government's recent decision to bring responsibility for all investment in roads under the remit of the Department of Transport will facilitate the continued delivery of this investment.

In the related area of signposting, the National Roads Authority, in consultation with my Department and Fáilte Ireland, has published a "Policy on the Provision of Tourist and Leisure Signage on National Roads" which was published this year.

The Tourism Strategy Implementation Group was appointed in 2006 to oversee the implementation of the outstanding recommendations in the New Horizons report, to review the targets in the light of performance to date, and to recommend a possible framework for a mid term review due to take place next year. The Tourism Strategy Implementation Group is at present preparing a progress report, outlining achievements in the sector over the past two years and initiatives underway to address ongoing challenges.

Sports and Recreational Development.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

41 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the measures his Department will take, in view of the increase in child obesity, to promote sporting activities among young children and teenagers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25654/07]

The Government recognises that the response to the issue of obesity must address the various complex causes, including diet, lifestyle and environmental issues. As part of this response, we are aware that investment in sport can yield vary tangible returns in improved fitness and health for individuals, which can help combat obesity and result in a consequent reduction in the demand on health services.

My Department funds the Irish Sports Council (ISC), which is the statutory body responsible for the development of sport in Ireland. The 2007 budget for the ISC has increased by over 30% on 2006, to more than €54 million. This continued increased level of funding ensures that the ISC can continue to embark on initiatives and programmes that increase participation in sport and physical recreation by people of all ages in the country.

The Irish Sports Council's current strategy, Building Sport for Life 2006-2008, identifies increasing participation in sport as its key objective and, based on its research programme with the Economic and Social Research Institute, sets specific targets in this regard.

Children and young people are specific target groups. There are several ISC programmes and initiatives aimed at young people, including the following:

Buntus is a series of programmes aimed at giving young children the best possible start to the lifelong involvement in sport. Operated through the Locals Sport Partnership (LSP) network, it supports the PE Curriculum in Primary Schools and has also been adapted for pre-school children and a range of sports-specific initiatives (e.g. soccer, rugby, golf, basketball and badminton).

Youth Field Sports initiatives include support for the work of the GAA, FAI and the IRFU in expanding their participation base, with a particular emphasis on young people and areas of low participation.

The Women in Sport scheme is a dedicated programme that supports innovative programmes with governing bodies and sports partnerships that target inactive women, with a particular emphasis on teenage girls.

Various projects within the LSP network target children and young people to promote greater levels of physical activity. Some of these projects have been supported in partnership with the Health Services Executive this year, thus recognising the need to challenge the issue of obesity through a multidisciplinary, cross-functional approach.

I will continue to monitor progress in this area closely and I am confident that the programmes provided by the Irish Sports Council to increase participation, especially those programmes targeted at children and young people, will contribute significantly to combating the problem of childhood obesity in this country.

Museum Projects.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

42 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has considered establishing a card based scheme which would allow certain groups, such as senior citizens free access to Government run museums and galleries during specific time periods; the cost of such a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25649/07]

My Department is responsible for the provision of funding to the National Cultural Institutions, which include the following museums and galleries:

National Library of Ireland,

National Museum of Ireland,

National Gallery of Ireland,

Irish Museum of Modern Art,

the Chester Beatty Library, and

the Crawford Art Gallery, Cork.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that it is Government policy to provide free admission to the National Collections held by these institutions. While section 14 of the National Cultural Institutions Act, 1997 empowers the Boards of the National Gallery of Ireland, the National Library of Ireland and the National Museum of Ireland to pass bye-laws imposing charges subject to my consent, permission would not be forthcoming for the imposition of charges for admission to the National Collections.

The Board of the National Gallery of Ireland has passed bylaws enabling that institution to impose charges to recoup costs associated with the provision of temporary exhibitions that create additional costs for the Gallery. In theses cases, however, admission to the National Collection remains free. Where charges are imposed for temporary exhibitions, reduced admission charges for children, senior citizens and other appropriate groups are provided.

In keeping with my commitment to increasing access to arts and culture, I will keep the issue raised by the Deputy under review.

Sports Capital Programme.

James Bannon

Question:

43 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if additional funding will be made available for the new sports hall at school (details supplied) in County Longford as water damage to the new facility will cost €106,000 in additional funding to repair and the facility cannot now be opened to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25765/07]

Under the sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country.

The organisation in question has been allocated €90,000 under the programme in 2005, 2006 and 2007. Of this, €66,500 has been drawn down to date. I understand that the organisation were also allocated €18,000 in top-up funding under the CLÁR programme by my colleague the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

My Department has not received any request for additional funding from the organisation in question but they are free to apply for the next round of the programme if they have a project that meets the published Guidelines, Terms and Conditions governing the programme. As in previous years, advertisements announcing the next round of the programme will be placed in the national press and application forms will be available at that stage.

Question No. 44 answered with QuestionNo. 10.

Tourism Industry.

Seán Barrett

Question:

45 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his Department’s initiatives for making tourism more sustainable with particular reference to tourism’s environmental impact and its implications for social equity and cohesion and economic prosperity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23959/07]

The High Level Strategy of my Department in relation to Tourism is "To support the sustainable growth of the tourism industry and to help it address the competitive challenge through the development, implementation and influencing of a range of policy actions and programmes which optimise the economic and social benefits of the sector".

Under the influence of the Government's Sustainable Development Strategy, the principles of Sustainable Development are increasingly permeating public policy and programmes including those related to Tourism. Sustainable Development incorporates the three principles mentioned by the Deputy — Social Cohesion, Economic Prosperity and Environment — or the three Ps, , as they are more popularly know — People, Profit and Place. Each one of these applies to the Tourism sector.

These principles are incorporated in the current guiding Vision for Irish Tourism which is set out in the New Horizons Report on Irish Tourism. That Vision reads as follows:

Ireland will be a destination of choice for discerning international and domestic tourists which:

provides a tourism experience that exceeds customer expectations in terms of friendliness, quality of environment, diversity and depth of culture

has a range of high-quality, world-class, competitive products and services widely distributed throughout all the regions of the country

is a vibrant source of foreign and regional earnings throughout the year

respects the natural and built environments and supports their conservation and enhancement

provides attractive career opportunities in tourism for people with a range of skills and employment needs

provides the opportunity for people working in tourism to enhance their skills through experience, training and life-long learning

respects and supports Irish culture in all its diversity

provides a positive international profile of Ireland".

The tourism industry has a wide geographic distribution. In some, otherwise undeveloped areas, it is the main source of development and employment. The Government has a strong regional tourism policy which guides the activities of the Tourism Agencies in the formulation and delivery of their programmes. Fáilte Ireland, works closely with the sector, through its own training initiatives and the education and awareness programmes that it supports, to help improve the quality of training and also to encourage the industry to provide good conditions and career prospects to its employees.

Tourism is a generator of wealth with a high indigenous component. It is one of our major economic sectors. The physical environment is one of the core tourism resources and the sector is becoming increasingly conscious of that. The tourism sector is increasingly proactive in addressing sustainability issues. The overarching challenge for the tourism sector is to remain competitive while also embracing sustainability, recognising that in the long term competitiveness depends on sustainability — including environmental sustainability. I would note that there is no evidence from environmental surveys over the years that the Tourism sector is a significant polluter of the environment. It is clear, however, that Tourism is a sector that will suffer from environmental damage through the undermining of Ireland's clean green image.

Under its Agreed Programme, this Government is committed "to develop our tourism industry and provide it with sustained support and investment". To this end, the Government will, among other things, place much greater emphasis on the protection, conservation, interpretation and access to Ireland's natural and built heritage.

At the operational level, Fáilte Ireland has re-embraced its environmental remit with great vigour and is working with the industry, the local authorities and a wide range of partners to promote a balanced and sustainable approach to Tourism development. I am advised that Fáilte Ireland has recently published its Environmental Action Plan for the period 2007-2009. The Plan sets out what Fáilte Ireland will do to help meet the environmental challenges facing Tourism.

Of course, ultimately, it is the tourism industry itself that must meet the challenges and seize the opportunities generated by the sustainability agenda, at sectoral and enterprise levels. National Tourism Policy recognises that competitiveness is the number one challenge facing Irish Tourism. Ireland is not a low-cost economy and tourism businesses are under strong cost pressures. The introduction of more efficient use of resources like energy, more recycling and better environmental management generally, provides an opportunity to significantly reduce the running costs of tourism businesses. This has been shown through initiatives such as Fáilte Ireland's Performance Plus programme and the Irish Hospitality Institute's Greening Irish Hotels scheme.

In conclusion, I would also note that my Department and the tourism agencies take an active part in a wide range of groups and fora focusing on sustainability and the environment, providing the tourism input into consideration of a wide range of policies and activities.

Swimming Pool Projects.

Noel Coonan

Question:

46 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when he intends to announce an increase in the funding under the sports tourism capital grants for swimming pools that will enable communities around the country to provide such essential and worthwhile facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25761/07]

My Department is completing a Value for Money and Policy Review Report of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme at present. The Report is examining, among other things, how the programme has worked to date and what changes, if any, are required to ensure its effective and efficient delivery. The grant level for swimming pools is also examined in the report.

Thereafter, following consideration of the recommendations in the Report, it is my intention to launch a new round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme. There is a provision of €184m in the National Development Plan, 2007-2013 in respect of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme.

Question No. 47 answered with QuestionNo. 26.
Question No. 48 answered with QuestionNo. 20.

National Conference Centre.

Alan Shatter

Question:

49 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the estimated cost of the National Conference Centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25599/07]

On 5 April last, the contract for the provision of a National Conference Centre in Dublin was awarded to Spencer Dock Convention Centre Dublin Ltd. Under the public private partnership arrangement, Spencer Dock Convention Centre Dublin Ltd, is required to design, build and finance the National Conference Centre and to operate and maintain it for a period of 25 years, after which the facility will revert to the State. In return, once the construction of the Centre is complete and it is open for business, the State will pay the Company an annual charge, the maximum total cost of which over 25 years will be just under €380m in present day values.

National Aquatic Centre.

Billy Timmins

Question:

50 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the estimated cost of remediation work at the National Aquatic Centre and the portion of that which has been paid out to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25645/07]

Deputies will be aware that the National Sports Campus Development Authority has taken over the role and function of CSID since 1 January 2007. A fully owned subsidiary of the Authority, NSCDA (Operations) Ltd., is now operating the National Aquatic Centre. A full "health check" has been carried out on the National Aquatic Centre since it came back into the possession of CSID on 1 December 2006. The necessary repair works to restore the Centre to its original working standard have been ongoing since then and have been taking place in conjunction with the overall "health check". To date approximately €600,000 has been expended on remediation work.

I am sure Deputies will agree with me that this is a wonderful facility which has been through and survived a difficult time over the past few years. I would invite Deputies to come and see the Centre for themselves and I look forward to their support for this key piece of our sporting infrastructure.

Sport and Recreational Development.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

51 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his preferred options or proposals, for the promotion of amateur or professional sports in the future with particular reference to funding he is expected to make available over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25764/07]

In my reply to PQ 19344/07 on 5 July last, I outlined my priorities for the development and promotion of sport, which are set out in the Programme for Government. I am currently in the process of formulating policies and objectives, in consultation with the relevant stakeholders to achieve the delivery of these priorities, which will be articulated further in my Department's new Statement of Strategy 2008-2010 which is in preparation and which is to be completed by the end of 2007.

I see the overriding objectives that will drive the development of policy to be the achievement of greater accessibility and participation for all in the area of sport. Under the provisions of the National Development Plan 2007-2013, a total of some €911m has been earmarked for programmes such as the Sports Capital and Local Authority Swimming Pool programmes and such major capital projects as the new Lansdowne Road stadium and the Abbotstown Campus project.

One of the major issues to be addressed in future rounds of the Sports Capital Programme is the introduction of a more strategic targeted approach to the funding of projects. The development of a National Sports Strategy by my Department will provide high-level policy direction for future investment/grant assistance at national, regional and local level.

Since the establishment of the statutory Irish Sports Council in 1999, over €250 million has been provided to the Council towards initiating, developing and enhancing a wide range of programmes aimed at increasing participation and raising standards in Irish sport. My Department will continue to support the Sports Council to allow it to realise the commitments of its strategic plan to increase participation in sport and to improve the levels of performance by our elite athletes in world-class competition. An important issue is to ensure the embedding of the Irish Institute of Sport as the key instrument in ensuring Ireland's sustained successes in top-level international sport.

I also intend to provide continued support for the horse and greyhound racing industries, which are important contributors to the Irish economy and to employment throughout the country.

Question No. 52 answered with QuestionNo. 7.

Arts Promotion.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

53 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made to date in implementing the recommendations of the National Economic and Social Forum’s report on the arts, cultural inclusion and social cohesion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25660/07]

The National Economic and Social Forum (NESF)'s Arts, Cultural Inclusion and Social Cohesion report sets out actions to support broader participation in the arts and makes recommendations on creating a more inclusive and cohesive society. This is a timely document, as it presents an evaluation of the current status of the sector and its role in the changing and varying social and cultural landscape we face in the coming years.

It should be noted that the NESF recognises that a substantial amount of worthwhile activity is taking place in the arts sector — much of which is State supported. It highlights the need for the delivery of a high level service in the arts and culture sector in a strategic, appropriate, coordinated and open manner.

In this context, the Government approved the report's recommendation for the establishment of a high-level independently chaired Strategy Committee to consider its recommendations. I have now had the opportunity of reviewing the comprehensive range of recommendations made in this report and I envisage establishing the recommended Committee in the coming weeks.

Cultural Visas.

Willie Penrose

Question:

54 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress made in his Department towards creating a combined cultural visa and work permit as set out in the agreed programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25657/07]

This issue, contained in the Programme for Government, will be included in my Department's Statement of Strategy now being prepared and will in turn form part of the relevant business plans within my Department.

Owing to the nature of their work, it is important that artistes and entertainers be accommodated as much as possible in entering the State to carry out their engagements, particularly for short-term events. Preliminary investigations undertaken on this matter indicate that the provision of work permits and related entry visas for those travelling from outside the European Union, has implications for a number of Government Departments, with potential complexities surrounding the processes which will necessitate wide ranging and detailed discussions. The matter will be progressed with a view to establishing the most mutually beneficial and secure mechanism for addressing the issue.

Question No. 55 answered with QuestionNo. 25.

Sports Capital Programme.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

56 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount of funding provided to each GAA club in the period 2002 to date in 2007; the reason for the differences in funding towards certain GAA clubs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25651/07]

The Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by my Department, is the primary means of providing funding to sporting clubs, voluntary and community organisations towards the provision of sporting facilities at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis.

All applications received are assessed on their merits and evaluated against the programme's objective assessment criteria, which are outlined in the Guidelines, Terms and Conditions of the programme. Recommended grant allocations are made in line with the amount requested by the applicant, the merits of the project and the overall funding available.

Since 2002 the Sports Capital Programme has provided funding of over €153m for facilities and equipment in GAA clubs. Details of all grants allocated each year are available on my Department's website, www.dast.gov.ie.

Question No. 57 answered with QuestionNo. 9.

Tourism Industry.

Seán Barrett

Question:

58 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the 3% decrease in visitors from Britain in the first half of 2007 and the 1% decrease in UK visitors bed night sales in the same period; his proposals to take advantage of the lucrative UK tourism market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23958/07]

Joe Costello

Question:

59 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the reasons for the drop in visitor numbers from Britain by 3% in the first half of 2007; his views on whether this trend will continue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25664/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 58 and 59 together.

The latest figures published by the Central Statistics Office show that there was an increase of over 4.1% in the number of overseas visitors to Ireland in the first eight months of the year compared to the same period in 2006. While it will be challenging to maintain the record-breaking performance of 2006, these latest CSO figures confirm that Ireland's tourism sector continues to perform at a very impressive level.

The number of visitors from Britain for the first eight months of the year is down by 1% compared to the same period in 2006. However, figures for the four months from May to August show that there has been a good level of recovery in this market with each of the four months recording an increase in visitor numbers from Britain compared to the same months in 2006. I am hopeful that this trend will continue in the coming months. I am pleased to note also that the numbers coming to Ireland from Britain, for Holiday purposes, were actually up by almost 4% for the first half of the year. Also, there is evidence that the decline in sea passenger traffic, seen in recent years has halted. The sea carriers are reporting encouraging numbers and this is positive for both regional dispersal and length of stay.

The drop in visitors from Britain in the early part of the year is consistent with a general trend of reduced numbers of outward travellers from Great Britain to European destinations. It is believed that interest rate increases and other factors may be impacting on consumer discretionary spending power.

Successful marketing, in any field, does require ongoing monitoring of markets and appropriate adjustment of campaigns. Tourism is no exception. An intense period of marketing activity is under way in Britain this autumn. Attractive city break packages are a key element of this autumn campaign, focusing particularly on cities with direct links to the regions in Ireland. A programme is also in place to attract motoring visitors. In addition to TV and radio, Tourism Ireland has extensive print campaigns in national media and specialist titles. In line with its now established reputation for innovative marketing, I understand that Tourism Ireland has devised some novel on-line promotions.

Great Britain continues to be the largest single market for the island of Ireland. Competition in this market is intense with new destinations on offer to the consumer. In this highly competitive environment and against a background of changing consumer travel patterns, it remains a challenge to continue to deliver growth.

While it is difficult to forecast exactly for the rest of the year, Tourism Ireland informs me that, in its opinion, the second half of the year is likely to be positive and that total visitor numbers for the year will be in line with last year's figures.

Arts Council.

James Bannon

Question:

60 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the plans he has in place for supporting the Irish Theatre Institute in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25675/07]

Responsibility for the promotion of the arts at all levels throughout the country is primarily devolved to the Arts Council. State support for the arts is mainly channelled through the Arts Council, which, although funded by my department, is completely autonomous in its decisions. The level of funding and support for the Irish Theatre Institute is entirely a matter for the Arts Council and a matter in which I have no statutory function.

Funding for the Arts Council has increased from €47.67 million in 2002 to €80 million in 2007 — an increase of almost 68%. These are significant amounts of money in any context. This funding has transformed the arts, increasing access to and participation in the arts, and has provided an excellent platform for future development.

The table shows the funding provided to the Arts Council between 1997 and 2007.

Year

Funding

% Change

Supplementary Estimate (not included)

Total including Supplementary)

€m

1997

26.41

26.41

1998

33.14

25.48

33.14

1999

35.55

7.27

35.55

2000

45.08

26.81

45.08

2001

46.37

2.86

1.77

48.14

2002

47.67

2.80

47.67

2003

44.1

-7.49

44.1

2004

52.5

19.05

2

54.5

2005

61

16.19

5.233

66.233

2006

72.31

18.54

10

82.31

2007

80

10.63

Museum Opening Hours.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

61 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the progress he has made towards introducing much more flexible and extended opening times at national museums and galleries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25789/07]

I am strongly of the view that there is a need to move away from traditional opening times and to establish a degree of flexibility that reflects changed lifestyles and use of leisure time for those who wish to visit the National Cultural Institutions, particularly museums and galleries.

On 14 September 2007, I announced plans to have later and more flexible opening hours in National Museums, Galleries and Libraries examined. Accordingly, I have instructed officials in my Department to examine how best we can put longer and more flexible opening hours on a more permanent footing. Discussions have commenced with the National Cultural Institutions on this matter. There is a commitment in the Action Plans of the relevant National Cultural Institutions in the context of ‘Towards 2016' in respect of extended opening hours.

The National Gallery of Ireland and the Irish Museum of Modern Art have both gone some way towards recognition of changed use of leisure time by, in the case of the Gallery: opening seven days a week and more than 360 days a year and providing late opening on Thursdays until 8.30 p.m. In July and August 2007, the Irish Museum of Modern Art extended its opening hours on Thursdays till 8.30 p.m.

In addition, during Culture Night 2007, which took place on 14 September, the National Cultural Institutions extended their opening hours until 10.00 p.m. The National Gallery remained open until 11.00 p.m. My Department provided €35,000 towards Culture Night, 2007 and €15,000 towards a similar event in 2006. Culture Night is modelled on a similar event in some of the major European cities.

Discussions with the relevant Institutions and with the Council of National Cultural Institutions (CNCI) have commenced at official level to determine how best to accommodate extended opening hours and any likely costs that may be associated with such extensions.

Flood Relief.

Martin Ferris

Question:

62 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if funding will be made available to refurbish the bank of the River Feale and its tributaries in 2008. [25797/07]

Martin Ferris

Question:

63 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will release funds for the refurbishment of the banks of the River Brick between Lixnaw Bridge and Ballingar Bridge in order to prevent flooding that would threaten local housing. [25798/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 62 and 63 together.

A programme of refurbishment of the embankments of the Feale Catchment Drainage Scheme, which includes the river Brick under the maintenance provisions of the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945, commenced this year. It is intended that this programme will continue.

The work is being prioritised on the basis of risk to housing and while the OPW is at present finalising its programme for 2008, it is likely that the focus will be on the town of Listowel next year.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

64 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance when work on the Fermoy flood plan is scheduled to commence; the estimated duration of the works; the cost of the works with a detailed breakdown of when phase 2 and 3 are expected to follow; and the effect the works will have on traffic flow in the town. [25799/07]

Detailed design of the Munster Blackwater (Fermoy North) Drainage Scheme, the first of three separate flood relief schemes for the town of Fermoy, is now virtually complete. The Office of Public Works is in the process of completing the Pre-Qualification process for the appointment of a contractor for the construction of the civil engineering works of the Scheme, which will allow tenders to be sought from the successful candidates within the next few weeks. Once tenders are received, OPW will seek to have the Scheme Confirmed by the Minister for Finance, as required by the Arterial Drainage Acts. This should allow construction works to commence in March/April, 2008.

It is anticipated that the works on the Fermoy North Scheme will take approximately 12 months to complete. Detailed cost estimates for the Fermoy North scheme will be available once tenders are received for the civil engineering works. However, it is estimated that the costs of implementing all three schemes, including maintenance over the lifetime of all three schemes, will be in the region of €37 million at present values. This is a tentative estimate at this stage and will be reviewed as detailed design of phases proceeds. Detailed traffic management plans will be incorporated into the contractor's programme before construction commences. Every effort will be made to minimise disruption to the town during construction.

Detailed design of the Fermoy South West Scheme will commence when construction on the North Scheme is under way. The South East Scheme will follow similarly when construction commences on the South West Scheme. Overall, it is expected that it take about four to five years to complete all three schemes.

Recreational Facilities.

Phil Hogan

Question:

65 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the timescale for the provision of a new children’s playground at Castle Park, Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25800/07]

It is planned to install the new playground in Kilkenny Castle in the latter part of next year.

Tax Collection.

Richard Bruton

Question:

66 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he has reviewed the recommendation of the Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service to allow the time limit for claiming refunds on overpaid tax to be extended to at least six years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25808/07]

I have noted the recommendation of the Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service regarding the time limit for claiming refunds of overpaid tax. My predecessor as Minister for Finance examined the whole question of taxpayers' entitlement to repayment of tax and interest with a view to introducing, in so far as practicable, a uniform scheme which was fair and reasonable for taxpayers, and which also took into account the position of the Exchequer. On foot of that review, a new provision was introduced in Finance Act, 2003 (Section 17) which for the first time gave taxpayers a general right to repayment of tax overpaid subject to a 4 year claim limitation period. This became effective for all claims received on or after 01 January 2005. At the same time the right of the Revenue Commissioners to raise assessments and make enquiries was also reduced to a 4 year period, apart from cases where fraud or neglect is suspected. The scheme was devised after careful and detailed consideration. It was designed to achieve the necessary balance between establishing a fair and uniform system for taxpayers, including parity of treatment between PAYE and self-employed taxpayers, while, at the same time, providing the necessary protection for the Exchequer from exposure to claims going back many years.

Overall, I am satisfied that the current provision is both fair and reasonable and I have no plans to amend the legislation in this area.

Disabled Drivers.

Richard Bruton

Question:

67 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views on extending the disabled drivers relief to include people who are blind as eligible passengers under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25809/07]

The Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme provides relief from VAT and Vehicle Registration Tax (up to a certain limit) on the purchase of an adapted car for transport of a person with specific severe and permanent physical disabilities, as well as relief from excise on the fuel used in the car, up to a certain limit.

The disability criteria for these concessions are set out in the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994. To get a Primary Medical Certificate, an applicant must be permanently and severely disabled within the terms of these Regulations.

As the Deputy will be aware, there was an interdepartmental review of the Scheme. However, given the scale and the scope of the scheme, any possible changes can only be made after careful consideration and with regard to the existing and prospective cost of the scheme and the available resources. In this context, I consider any possible changes within the framework of the annual Budgetary process.

Garda Stations.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

68 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance when the planning process will be initiated in respect of the proposed redevelopment of Tallaght Garda Station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25858/07]

It is expected that a sketch scheme for the proposed development will be forwarded to An Garda Síochána for approval by the end of the year. The planning consultation will then follow on receipt of this approval.

Tax Code.

Michael Creed

Question:

69 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the amount of revenue collected to date in 2007 arising from the decision of the Revenue Commissioners to subject the diversification fund arising from the close down of the sugar beet industry to income tax; and if the context of Budget 2008 he will treat the diversification fund as capital rather than income and therein clarify that the capital receipt is not arising from the disposal of an asset. [25870/07]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that as liability to income tax is established on the basis of a taxpayer's total taxable income their income tax statistics do not generally distinguish between the amounts of tax that arise from different sources of income. Accordingly the specific information requested by the Deputy is not available.

With regard the second part of the Deputy's question, it is a long-standing practice of the Minister for Finance not to comment in advance of the Budget on any tax or expenditure matters that might be the subject of Budget decisions.

Michael Creed

Question:

70 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the cost in a full tax year of extending to farmers and self employed tax payers the benefit of the PAYE personal tax credit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25871/07]

The cost to the Exchequer of extending the PAYE credit to farmers and the self employed, including proprietary directors, is estimated at €610 million in a full year. The cost of abolishing the PAYE credit and increasing the personal credit by the same amount is estimated at €750 million in a full year. The additional cost would arise because the personal credit is transferable between spouses.

The figures are estimates from the Revenue tax forecasting model using actual data for the year 2004 adjusted as necessary to take account of actual and projected income and employment growth in subsequent years and are rounded to the nearest hundred. A married couple who has elected or has been deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit.

Michael Creed

Question:

71 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the amount of capital gains tax collected in 2007 arising from payments made to farmers in respect of lands acquired from them by local authorities for road widening; and his views on amending the tax code in order that in future where these proceeds are re-invested in farm business they are exempt from capital gains tax. [25872/07]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that figures are not captured in such a way as to provide a dedicated basis for separately identifying the capital gains tax (CGT) yield from payments made to farmers in respect of lands acquired by local authorities for road widening. Accordingly, the specific information is not readily available and either could not be obtained or could not be obtained without conducting a protracted investigation of the Revenue Commissioners' records.

In the 2003 Budget roll-over relief was abolished for any purpose on gains arising from disposals on or after 4 December 2002. This relief was introduced when CGT rates were much higher than current levels. The abolition of this relief was in accordance with the overall taxation policy of widening the tax base in order to keep direct tax rates low.

Michael Creed

Question:

72 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if, in view of the fragmented nature of many farm holdings and the desirability of consolidation, he will give consideration to a targeted capital gains tax relief in circumstances where the proceeds from the disposal of parcels of land are re-invested in agricultural land and wherein this leads to a consolidated farm holding. [25873/07]

I assume that the Deputy has in mind the re-introduction of roll-over relief. It was announced in the 2003 Budget that no roll-over relief would be allowed for any purpose on gains arising from disposals on or after 4 December 2002. This relief was introduced when CGT rates were much higher than current levels. The abolition of this relief was in accordance with the overall taxation policy of widening the tax base in order to keep direct tax rates low.

Changes to the tax system are considered in the context of the annual Budget and Finance Bill cycle. As the Deputy will be aware, there is already in place a generous package of reliefs that continue to be available exclusively to the farming sector.

Flood Relief.

Michael Creed

Question:

73 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 73 of 11 October 2007 if he will confirm that separate to the study being carried out on the River Lee catchment that funding was sought and committed under the minor flood relief scheme for the location in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25874/07]

The study that is currently ongoing is looking at tackling flood risk throughout the River Lee catchment, including the Ballyvourney / Ballymakeera area. This approach is recognised internationally as the best way to ensure that a wide range of impacts and options are considered so that reducing risk at one location in the catchment does not adversely affect risk elsewhere and that negative environmental outcomes are minimised. Any schemes that the study may recommend will be considered in conjunction with the Local Authorities in the context of available resources.

Departmental Staff.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

74 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if clerical officers will be promoted on seniority; when a clerical officer was last promoted on seniority in the Revenue Commissioners; the number of years service they had; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25928/07]

It is the practice in Government Departments and Offices that a proportion of internal promotions from the grade of clerical officer are made on the basis of seniority and suitability. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that clerical officers are promoted on a senior suitable basis in accordance with an agreed sequence of which currently 1 in 8 vacancies are filled by promotion to Staff Officer. This is a national sequence taking all Revenue locations into account.

The last clerical officer promoted on a senior suitable basis in Revenue was on 15 June 2007 and the officer in question had 28 years service in the grade.

Tax Code.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

75 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number in respect of the last year for which figures are available of single and married people availing of tax relief on their pension contributions, by contribution bands starting at a contribution of €50,000 and with bands above this at intervals of €25,000. [25933/07]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the only relevant information available is in respect of income tax relief allowed for contributions to Retirement Annuity Contracts (RACs) and Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs) for the income tax year 2004. RACs and PRSAs are available to the self-employed and to employees not in occupational pension schemes. A distribution by contribution ranges of the number of cases, amount of deduction and reduction in tax for tax relief for RACs and PRSAs is contained in the tables that follow this reply. The information is based on income returns on Revenue records at the time the data were compiled for analytical purposes, representing about 96 % of all returns expected.

A married couple who has elected or has deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit. It is not possible to provide corresponding figures in regard to the take-up of the tax relief for pension contributions by employers and employees to occupational pension schemes as the relevant data are not captured in such a way as to make this possible. The Finance Act 2004 includes provisions that require employers to provide data on superannuation contributions in the P35 form to be filed by employers from 2006 on. These changes will yield additional information regarding the overall cost of tax relief for pension contributions. However, as the returns are aggregated at employer level, they will not provide a precise basis for measuring the potential impact on the Exchequer of proposals for change to pension tax relief, including across different income or contribution cohorts.

INCOME TAX 2004

Retirement Annuity Contract — by range of contribution

Single/Widowed

Range of Retirement Annuity Contributions

Totals

From

To

Number of cases

Amount of deduction

Reduction in tax

50,000

36,909

157,993,031

58,809,357

50,000

75,000

331

19,652,064

8,186,382

75,000

100,000

109

8,301,600

3,542,924

100,000

125,000

125,000

150,000

150,000

175,000

Over

175,000

Totals

37,349

185,946,695

70,538,663

Retirement Annuity Contract — by range of contribution

Married

Range of Retirement Annuity Contributions

Totals

From

To

Number of cases

Amount of deduction

Reduction in tax

50,000

70,569

441,475,862

164,183,658

50,000

75,000

1,811

109,264,854

45,829,487

75,000

100,000

708

55,005,113

23,075,309

100,000

125,000

36

4,034,003

1,694,281

125,000

150,000

18

2,365,851

978,297

150,000

175,000

5

759,795

319,114

Over

175,000

Totals

73,147

612,905,478

236,080,146

Personal Retirement Savings Accounts — by range of contribution

Single/Widowed

Range of PRSA Contributions

Totals

From

To

Number of cases

Amount of deduction

Reduction in tax

50,000

2,662

9,958,938

3,717,908

50,000

75,000

5

304,583

127,925

75,000

100,000

100,000

125,000

125,000

150,000

150,000

175,000

Over

175,000

Totals

2,667

10,263,521

3,845,833

Personal Retirement Savings Accounts — by range of contribution

Married

Range of PRSA Contributions

Totals

From

To

Number of cases

Amount of deduction

Reduction in tax

50,000

3,331

20,973,708

7,964,648

50,000

75,000

38

2,319,427

974,159

75,000

100,000

12

939,177

394,454

100,000

125,000

125,000

150,000

150,000

175,000

Over

175,000

Totals

3,381

24,232,312

9,333,261

RACs and PRSAs — by range of Contribution

All Cases

Range of Contributions

Totals

From

To

Number of cases

Amount of deduction

Reduction in tax

50,000

113,471

630,401,539

234,675,571

50,000

75,000

2,185

131,540,928

55,117,953

75,000

100,000

829

64,245,890

27,012,687

100,000

125,000

36

4,034,003

1,694,281

125,000

150,000

18

2,365,851

978,297

150,000

175,000

5

759,795

319,114

Over

175,000

Totals

116,544

833,348,006

319,797,903

Medical Cards.

Martin Ferris

Question:

76 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will put in place a review of the conditions governing qualification for the medical card. [25806/07]

At present, medical cards are granted primarily on the basis of means and individual circumstances. Under the Health Act 2004, determination of eligibility for medical cards is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. Persons aged seventy years and over are automatically entitled to a medical card, irrespective of means. The HSE has discretion, in cases of exceptional need, to provide assistance to individuals where undue hardship would otherwise be caused.

Medical cards are made available to persons and their dependants who would otherwise experience undue hardship in meeting the cost of General Practitioner (GP) services. In 2005 the GP visit card was introduced as a graduated benefit so that people on lower incomes, particularly parents of young children, who do not qualify for a medical card would not be deterred on cost grounds from visiting their GP.

Since the beginning of 2005 substantial changes have been made to the way in which people's eligibility for a medical card is assessed and these apply equally to the assessment process for a GP visit card. The income guidelines have been increased by a cumulative 29% and in addition allowance is now made for reasonable expenses incurred in respect of mortgage/rent, child care and travel to work costs. In June 2006 I agreed with the Health Service Executive a further adjustment to the assessment guidelines for GP visit cards and these are now 50% higher than those in respect of medical cards. For medical card and GP Visit Card applications, the HSE now considers an applicant's income after tax and PRSI are deducted, rather than total income. Allowances are also made for expenses on child care, rent and mortgage costs and the cost of travel to work.

Currently, my Department is preparing legislation to clarify and update existing legislation on eligibility for health and personal social services. The Bill will define specific health and personal services more clearly; define who should be eligible for what services; set out clear criteria for eligibility; establish when and in what circumstances charges may be made and provide for an appeals framework. My Department is currently examining the range of services that will be defined in legislation. It is expected that the legislation will be published in 2008.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Martin Ferris

Question:

77 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will guarantee that the new hospital to be built in Cork in place of the Mercy will be located on the north side of the city which is without a hospital. [25803/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Medical Certificates.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

78 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if and when a primary medical certificate will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25813/07]

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.

Community Pharmacy Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

79 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she or her Department have had discussions with the pharmacists since her recent announcement in respect of the new proposals in regard to the purchase and dispensing of drugs; if so, the position regarding these discussions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25814/07]

Denis Naughten

Question:

83 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps she will to take to resolve the dispute between the Health Service Executive and the Irish Pharmaceutical Union; if her attention has been drawn to the impact that this dispute is having and will have on the public if the IPU actions continue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25850/07]

Catherine Byrne

Question:

86 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will intervene in the stand-off between the Health Service Executive and pharmacists in the Dublin area to ensure the immediate resumption of methadone services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25930/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 79, 83 and 86 together.

I have previously outlined in detail to the Oireachtas the legal reasons why it is not possible for the HSE to negotiate with the Irish Pharmaceutical Union (IPU) on fees, prices or margins for their members. A detailed, fair and transparent consultation process, including independent economic analysis and public consultation, informed the final determination of the new reimbursement arrangements announced by the HSE. The evidence available to the HSE indicates that the impact on individual pharmacies will not be detrimental, having regard to the totality of fees and mark-ups under the GMS and community drugs schemes.

In regard to the reimbursement prices for drugs and medicines under the GMS and community drugs schemes, the main wholesaler companies have recently confirmed to the HSE they will charge community pharmacists the same price for these drugs and medicines as pharmacists will be reimbursed by the HSE for these products.

All the evidence available to the joint HSE/Department of Health and Children team dealing with this issue indicated that the State was paying a premium for this service and that the new arrangements will save the HSE about €100m in 2008. The impact of the new arrangements on the incomes of pharmacists will depend on the extent of the discounts which individual pharmacists were getting from wholesalers under the previous arrangements. I am advised that large urban pharmacies and chains typically got discounts of up to 12% whereas small and rural pharmacies got discounts of 2-3%.

A process of dialogue was established, chaired by Bill Shipsey SC, to explore ways in which concerns raised by the IPU about the implications of this legal advice might be addressed. At a meeting on 11 October, the IPU maintained that it has a fundamental right as a trade union to fully represent its members on all issues. It appears, therefore, that the Union does not accept the legal position under competition law regarding negotiation on fees.

In an effort to resolve the present impasse arising from the unilateral withdrawal of methadone services by some pharmacists, Mr Shipsey issued a statement on 19th October expressing confidence that the process of dialogue could be resumed, if these services could be restored. On foot of Mr. Shipsey's intervention, on 21st October the President of the Irish Pharmaceutical Union called on its members who have ceased providing this service, to resume service as soon as possible. The HSE have advised that the majority of pharmacists have now resumed dispensing methadone. The HSE contingency plan in relation to methadone dispensing will remain in operation for the present until such time as the HSE are satisfied that the necessary patient transfer controls to enable the safe return of patients to the community pharmacists, are in place. This is expected to take place within the next two days.

I strongly welcome both interventions and would urge the remaining community pharmacists concerned to resume dispensing methadone as soon as possible. As soon as this is achieved it will be possible for renewed engagement to take place between the Irish Pharmaceutical Union and the HSE under the auspices of Mr. Shipsey.

Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.

Jack Wall

Question:

80 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is entitled to repayments from the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25821/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The Executive, therefore, is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Billy Timmins

Question:

81 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow who is waiting to have a hip replaced in Cappagh; if this will be dealt with as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25824/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Child Care Services.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

82 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children when a decision will be reached on the application, under the NCIP community childcare subvention scheme 2008 to 2010, of a childcare programme (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25833/07]

As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP) and the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP), which are being implemented by the Office of the Minister for Children (OMC).

Under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP), which is co-funded under the EU Social Fund (ESF), targeted support was provided through the staffing support grant scheme whereby community based not-for-profit childcare providers with a strong focus on disadvantage were awarded grant aid towards their staffing costs to allow them to operate reduced fees to disadvantaged parents. The Group in question is currently in receipt of staffing grant assistance under the EOCP scheme and this funding will continue in place until the end of December 2007.

As signalled at the launch of the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP), the successor programme to the EOCP, a new scheme to support community childcare services with a focus on disadvantage is being introduced with effect from 1 January 2008. The Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) has been allocated €153 million over the next 3 years representing a 16% increase in funding over the EOCP staffing scheme. Under the new scheme, services will be grant aided according to the service they provide and the profile of the parents benefiting from their service. In turn, the subvention received by the services will be reflected in the reduced fees for parents who qualify as disadvantaged under the scheme. Existing EOCP staffing grant recipients have been invited to apply directly to the OMC under the new scheme by 2nd November 2007. To facilitate them to adjust to the new scheme, transitional arrangements under which they will continue to be funded at their current levels until 1st July 2008, will apply.

As signalled when I announced the new scheme earlier this year, the transitional period between now and 1 July 2008 will also be used to monitor and review the impact it will have on individual groups, on the basis of the more detailed and comprehensive data which is due to be received from applicants in the coming weeks. If appropriate, any adjustments necessary to the scheme to secure the best outcomes for childcare services and for disadvantaged parents and their children will be considered on the basis of this data and well in advance of the commencement of the new funding levels in July 2008.

Question No. 83 answered with QuestionNo. 79.

Nursing Home Subventions.

Michael Creed

Question:

84 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 83 of 11 October, 2007, if she will address the core issue therein, namely the proposal in A Fair Deal wherein 5% of an applicants assets will be taken into account when determining eligibility for nursing home subvention; and if in view of the disproportionate capital value of land relative to its capacity to generate an income she will revisit this particular aspect of the proposed scheme. [25875/07]

Under the new Nursing Home Support Scheme, A Fair Deal, it is proposed to assess the means of the person who is receiving the care or half of the combined means in the case of a married or co-habiting couple. Applicants will be required to pay 80% of their assessable income towards the cost of their care. In addition, it is proposed that there will be a contribution of up to 5% against liquid and illiquid assets, capped at the cost of care. I hope to publish the Bill for the new scheme at the end of this month. I would stress again that the scheme is a voluntary one and people who wish to meet the costs of long-term residential care themselves or on behalf of others can continue to do so.

Health Service Staff.

Tom Hayes

Question:

85 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide information on an issue (details supplied). [25892/07]

Almost 130,000 people work full-time or part-time in our public health services. In recent years, the Government's ongoing high level of investment in health has achieved and maintained significant increases in the number of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals employed in the public health services. The Government has also invested heavily in the education and training of such personnel in order to secure a good supply of graduates to provide for the healthcare needs of the population into the future.

Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of the 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 to the Deputy.

Question No. 86 answered with QuestionNo. 79.

Health Services.

Catherine Byrne

Question:

87 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to extend speech and language therapy services for children; if she will provide additional tutoring services for children with speech and language difficulties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25931/07]

As the Deputy may be aware, an additional sum of €75m for revenue purposes was provided by 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.

Light Rail Project.

Joe Costello

Question:

88 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Transport the timescale for the delivery of Metro North; the difficulties that have been encountered by the Railway Procurement Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25863/07]

In February 2006 public consultation on the preferred alignment for Metro North got underway and in October of that year my predecessor announced the preferred alignment selected by the RPA. Since then the RPA has undertaken significant detailed design work and engaged extensively with local communities and businesses.

Arising from these consultations local alterations have been made to the preferred alignment. These changes include the decision to go underground through Ballymun and to maximise the green space under which the Metro will run in the Drumcondra area. Both of these changes arise from concerns from local interests raised in public consultations and the RPA has at all times sought to address these legitimate concerns whilst ensuring the overall integrity of the project.

Clearly, these public consultations and consequential design changes already referred to have impacted on the timescale for the project. However, I am satisfied that the approach taken by the RPA in seeking to address the concerns of local communities is the correct one.

The Agency hopes to be in a position to lodge an application for a railway order to An Bord Pleanála early next year. Subject to the grant of an enforceable railway order the RPA plans to commence construction of the project in 2009 with a target of commencing Metro operations in 2013.

Northern Ireland Issues.

Finian McGrath

Question:

89 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will clarify the Government’s position on disarming the UDA in the North; and the reason Minister Margaret Ritchie is being undermined by certain elements. [25801/07]

The Government has been clear and consistent on the need for all paramilitary groups, including the Ulster Defence Association (UDA), to move away definitively from violence and criminality and engage with the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning (IICD) with a view to putting arms beyond use. I believe that many of the leaders of the UDA, and their political advisors in the Ulster Political Research Group (UPRG), accept the need for change and have shown some leadership in trying to move forward and to deliver on it. But they now need to go significantly further.

Following violence in Carrickfergus and Bangor in early August, Minister Ritchie imposed a 60 day deadline for the UDA leadership to engage in a real and meaningful manner with the IICD, linking this with continued funding by her Department for the ‘Conflict Transformation Initiative' (CTI). Her deadline having expired, Minister Ritchie last week took the difficult decision that funding of the CTI should cease, and to use the money instead for projects in disadvantaged loyalist areas.

There were divergent views in the Assembly and in the Executive on how best to proceed on this issue, including differences on some legal issues. It is important to note, however, that there was clear unanimity on the need for the UDA to continue the process of transformation, and to move away decisively from paramilitary activity and to proceed with the decommissioning of its arms.

The Government firmly shares that goal, and I have made that clear, including in my public statement on this matter.

The Government's core objective is that no community should be left behind as Northern Ireland moves forward to an era of genuine peace, stability and prosperity. I would encourage, and look forward to, progressive elements within loyalism showing continued leadership and vision, including on the issue of decommissioning, in the period ahead.

Diplomatic Representation.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

90 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his contacts in respect of the situation in Pakistan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25844/07]

Ireland and Pakistan established diplomatic relations in 1962. Pakistan opened an Embassy in Dublin in 2001, headed by a resident Ambassador, with whom senior officials of the Department are in regular contact.

Our Ambassador in Tehran is accredited to Pakistan on a non-resident basis. He pays regular visits to Pakistan and keeps in regular contact with the authorities there, with the resident diplomatic community, with the media and with civil society. Senior officials from the Department also visit Pakistan from time to time.

As part of our ongoing contact and dialogue, we share our concerns with the Government of Pakistan regarding the struggle against terrorism in Pakistan and on its border with Afghanistan, radicalism and extremism in parts of the country, military rule, and issues relating to human rights and fundamental freedoms. In all our recent contacts we have expressed our strong hopes for successful, free and fair elections and a return to democracy and civilian rule. The development of economic and cultural links is also discussed. Pakistan is a country of high strategic importance and, when the country has returned to civilian rule and democracy, we would be interested in strengthening our relationship still further. We are hoping to hold political consultations at official level in Islamabad next year to discuss this further.

In addition to Ireland's bilateral relationship with Pakistan, the EU also has an important and active relationship with the country. Given Pakistan's strategic importance, the EU has recently agreed to further develop its relationship with Pakistan.

As regards the political situation in Pakistan, I outlined my views on the current situation in my response to Parliamentary Questions regarding Pakistan in Dail Eireann on Tuesday, 23 October.

In that statement, I expressed our strong hope that In that statement, I expressed our strong hope that Pakistan is on a course back to democracy. The road to democracy, stability and economic and social development will not be an easy one. A particular problem in the lead-up to parliamentary elections, expected to take place in January, is the subversion and havoc that militants and extremists can create. We saw the appalling massacre that militants mounted on Benazir Bhutto's return to her country last week but attacks on the authorities, military, the media and civilians take place almost daily. Although such militancy is shared by only a small percentage of Pakistan's population, the ability of the terrorists and radicals to inflict devastating damage is deeply troubling. Other problems include restrictions on the freedom of expression and the media, widespread corruption, and near-feudal conditions, accompanying undeveloped party political traditions, in some of the more remote rural and tribal areas.

But there are also some positive developments that have taken place in the country, particularly President Musharraf's recent commitment to withdraw from a military role and his nomination of a successor as Army Chief of Staff, which increases hopes that here will be an end to military rule in the coming months. The political parties and the public are intensely engaged in what will clearly be a hotly-contested election campaign. The Pakistan Elections Commission, with some external help, has been working to put systems in place to ensure that these elections are free and fair. The role of the Supreme Court over recent months has also demonstrated its very clear independence. And despite the obstacles that exist to freedom of expression, there is a vibrant and independent media in Pakistan, which speaks out very openly on all aspects of Pakistani life and politics — an enormous tribute to the commitment, professionalism and courage of those involved in the media in Pakistan and very encouraging for the future of democracy in Pakistan.

Official Engagements.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

91 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he, or representatives of the Government, will be attending celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel which take place in Jerusalem, including those being held in the Knesset. [25920/07]

I have not received an invitation to events to mark the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of the State of Israel on 14 May 1948. At the invitation of the Speaker of the Knesset and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel, our Ambassador in Tel Aviv will attend a special session of the Knesset on 29 November to mark the 60th anniversary of the adoption by the UN General Assembly of Resolution 181, on the report of the Ad Hoc Committee on the Palestinian Question. The Israelis attach great importance to Resolution 181, seeing it as having led to the establishment of the State of Israel.

Foreign Conflicts.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

92 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the attempts made to cut the funding of the UN Committee on the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People; and if he has made representations to the committee offering Ireland’s support to it’s activities, or if he will to do so at any stage. [25921/07]

I am not aware of any proposal to reduce funding for the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, which was established by the UN General Assembly in 1975.

Cyprus and Malta are the only EU Member States which participate in the Committee. The other 25 Member States, including Ireland, have abstained in the annual vote in the UN General Assembly on the work of the Committee, on the grounds that the Resolutions concerned do not adequately reflected the priorities of the peace process. In this regard, Ireland is a long-standing and active proponent of the establishment of an independent Palestinian State and we consistently highlight the urgency of advancing the search for a comprehensive settlement in the Middle East, based on a peaceful, lasting and just two-State solution to the Israeli — Palestinian conflict.

Diplomatic Representation.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

93 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has made representations at international level regarding the replacement of the UN Special Representative for Human Rights in the OPT, Professor John Dugard, whose mandate ends in 2008, or if he will to do so at any stage. [25922/07]

The mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories was established by the UN Commission on Human Rights in 1993. Professor John Dugard is the fourth person to hold the mandate. He was appointed by the Commission on Human Rights in 2001.

The Human Rights Council, which succeeded the Commission on Human Rights in 2006 is now reviewing the work of its mandate-holders. Professor Dugard's term, which ended in June 2007, was extended until 2008 to facilitate this review. No decision has been taken by Ireland or our EU partners on this matter pending completion of the review.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

94 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the campaign by Palestinian artists and musicians to participate in the Eurovision song contest; and if he has made representations through the International Telecommunications Union or the European Broadcasting Union, or if he will to do so at a future stage. [25923/07]

I have no objection on foreign policy grounds to Palestinian participation in any international event, and would in fact see considerable merit in such involvement. However, as Minister for Foreign Affairs, I have no role in relation to the Eurovision Song Contest, which is organised by the European Broadcasting Union.

Health and Safety Regulations.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

95 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding Ireland’s steps to comply with the Seveso Directive 2003/105/EC regarding plans to deal with accidents from chemical treatment plants. [25841/07]

Council Directive 96/82/EC on the control of major-accident hazards involving dangerous substances as amended by Directive 2003/105/EC, [known as the Seveso Directive], applies to all establishments where the inventory of dangerous substances exceeds specified thresholds, not just to chemical treatment plants. I am informed by the Health and Safety Authority that there are 89 such establishments notified to it. Of these, 34 are classified as "upper tier", and as such, in accordance with the Directive, require that external emergency plans be prepared. As I understand it, only one of these 34 could be classified as a chemical treatment plant, and I am informed that an external emergency plan is in place for that.

The European Commission issued a Reasoned Opinion to Ireland on 23 October 2007, concerning the failure by Ireland to draw up external emergency plans in respect of 11 establishments, as required under Article 11 of the Seveso Directive. The authorities in Ireland responsible for drawing up such external emergency plans are designated pursuant to the European Communities [Control of Major Accident Hazards] Regulations 2006, S.I. No. 74 of 2006. These include Local Authorities, an Garda Síochána and the Health Services Executive. I am informed that these designated authorities have given commitments that all outstanding external emergency plans would be in place before the end of this year.

Employment Rights.

Niall Blaney

Question:

96 Deputy Niall Blaney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal who has been summonsed to appear in the District Court Office, Carndonagh; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25826/07]

I can confirm that the person (details supplied by the Deputy) has been summonsed to appear at Carndonagh District Court on the 20th of November 2007. As the matter is effectively sub-judice, it would be inappropriate for me to comment any further.

Work Permits.

Denis Naughten

Question:

97 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the procedure for applying for a green card; the professions which are given priority; and if a graphic designer would be given such priority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25847/07]

Green Card applications are considered based on the following criteria: Firstly, Green Cards may be issued for all occupations, other than those which are contrary to public interest, where the annual salary offered is €60,000 or more. Secondly, Green Cards may be issued for positions with a salary range of €30,000 to €59,999 in identified areas of skills shortages in key sectors of the Irish economy. Based on current administrative policy, Graphic Design is not identified as an area of skills shortage which cannot be met by EEA nationals. The Deputy should note that if the criteria for a Green Card are not met, then a Work Permit application may be submitted in respect of the position of Graphic Designer.

Competition Authority.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

98 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will request the Competition Authority to examine the role of local authorities as both waste service provider and regulator for all providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25856/07]

The Competition Authority has already examined the issue of waste collection and regulation in Ireland in the context of responding to the Consultation Paper of 3rd August 2006 "Regulation of the Waste Management Sector" issued by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The Authority's submission is available on its website at www.tca.ie.

Film Industry Development.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

99 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will report on Government plans to purchase or otherwise replace Ardmore studios; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25788/07]

The availability of adequate, fully equipped studio resources that can cater for the needs of indigenous and incoming film and TV productions is a key factor in the Irish Film Board's role of marketing Ireland as a film location. The Irish Film Board is currently reviewing the available options in this area, of which Ardmore Studios is one, and will be reporting to my Department in due course.

Sport and Recreational Development.

Mary Upton

Question:

100 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when he expects the task force set up to examine possible opportunities, identify the priority areas of interest and map out a strategy to ensure that Ireland maximises this unique opportunity to benefit from its proximity to London in 2012, will issue its report; the cost of the task force and this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25791/07]

As the Deputy is aware, my predecessor established a London 2012 Task Force to ensure Ireland can identify and maximise the complete range of opportunities arising from our proximity to the Olympic and Paralympic Games in London 2012. This Task Force includes experts from the sport, tourism, cultural and business sectors and is supported by staff within my Department. One of the first pieces of work that the Task Force carried out was an audit of high quality sports facilities suitable to attract international athletes to train in the years leading up to the London 2012 Olympic Games.

In parallel with this audit and to better inform the future work of the Task Force, my Department appointed Indecon International Economic Consultants to carry out an economic evaluation of the benefit to the island of Ireland of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games. This evaluation has now been completed and the Task Force is considering the findings and recommendations. I expect to receive the recommendations of the Task Force in the near future. The cost of the Task Force to date is €77,000.

Sports Capital Programme.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

101 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will give consideration to allocating special funding to community groups interested in providing indoor recreational facilities in areas where no such youth facilities exist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25910/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

102 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he or his Department has had discussions with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform with a view to the provision of funding for the provision of indoor recreational facilities in areas deemed to be socially disadvantaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25911/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 101 and 102 together.

Under the sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, grants are allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country for the provision of sports facilities, including indoor sports facilities. One of the stated aims and objectives of the sports capital programme is to prioritise the needs of disadvantaged areas in the provision of facilities. Since 2002, it was decided that only those areas that have been designated by Government for special support through the schemes administered by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, i.e. RAPID, Local Drugs Task Force and CLAR areas should be treated as disadvantaged under the programme.

Projects identified as being located in areas designated as disadvantaged are targeted and prioritised in a number of ways during the assessment of applications. They are permitted to have a lower level of minimum own funding available (20% as against the normal 30%) towards their project, and extra marks are also awarded to such projects during the assessment process under the socio-economic disadvantage criterion.

Successful projects under the sports capital programme in CLAR and RAPID areas may qualify to receive additional top-up funding, payable by the Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, in addition to their sports capital allocation. In the case of projects located in CLAR areas, this top-up funding can be up to 20% of the sports capital grant amount; in the case of projects located in RAPID areas which are also endorsed by their local Area Implementation Team, the top-up funding can be up to 30%.

The 2007 sports capital programme was advertised in the national press in October 2006. The closing date for receipt of completed applications was 24th November 2006. Over 1,530 applications were received for the programme and provisional allocations totalling €85 million were made to 935 projects on 5th April last. For the Deputy's information, grants totalling €38,679,550 were allocated to 455 projects in disadvantaged areas under the 2007 sports capital programme. To date, my colleague the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs has announced top-ups for qualifying grantees of €6,412,510.

While no date has been set for the 2008 Programme, advertisements announcing the next round of the Programme will be placed in the national press and application forms will be available at that stage. Applicants who feel that they have a project that meet the Guidelines, Terms and Conditions of the programme are free to apply at that stage. I can confirm that no discussions have been held with the Department of Justice Equality and Law Reform in regard to the issue mentioned by the Deputy.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

103 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will make funding available to local communities involved in the provision of youth services and facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25912/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

104 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans to provide funding for areas suffering from social deprivation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25913/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

105 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will provide funding for local groups involved in the provision of youth facilities particularly in areas experiencing anti-social behaviour due to a lack of indoor facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25914/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 103 to 105, inclusive, together.

Under the sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, grants are allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country for the provision of sports facilities. One of the stated aims and objectives of the programme is to prioritise the needs of disadvantaged areas in the provision of facilities. Areas that have been designated by Government for special support through the schemes administered by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, i.e. RAPID, Local Drugs Task Force and CLAR areas are treated as disadvantaged under the programme.

Projects identified as being located in areas designated as disadvantaged are targeted and prioritised in a number of ways during the assessment of applications. They are permitted to have a lower level of minimum own funding available (20% as against the normal 30%) towards their project, and extra marks are also awarded to such projects during the assessment process under the socio-economic disadvantage criterion. Successful projects under the sports capital programme in CLAR and RAPID areas may qualify to receive additional top-up funding, payable by the Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, in addition to their sports capital allocation. In the case of projects located in CLAR areas, this top-up funding can be up to 20% of the sports capital grant amount; in the case of projects located in RAPID areas which are also endorsed by their local Area Implementation Team, the top-up funding can be up to 30%.

The 2007 sports capital programme was advertised in the national press in October 2006. The closing date for receipt of completed applications was 24th November 2006. Over 1,530 applications were received for the programme and provisional allocations totalling €85 million were made to 935 projects on 5th April last. Grants totalling €38,679,550 were allocated to 455 projects in disadvantaged areas under the 2007 sports capital programme. To date, my colleague the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs has announced top-ups for qualifying grantees of €6,412,510.

While no date has yet been decided for the invitation of applications for the 2008 programme advertisements announcing the next round of the programme will be placed in the national press and application forms will be available at that stage. Applicants who feel that they have a project that meet the Guidelines, Terms and Conditions of the programme are free to apply at that stage.

Under the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme, also administered by my Department, funding is provided to Local Authorities for the construction of new pools or the refurbishment of existing ones. It is a matter for Local Authorities to decide the location of the pools. In addition the Programme allows third parties and community groups to join with Local Authorities in making applications under the Programme. My Department's ACCESS scheme provides capital grants for arts and culture infrastructure around the country, including community based initiatives. Allocations of over €900,000 in total have been made to eight community based projects under the current ACCESS II scheme 2007 –2009.

Question No. 106 answered with QuestionNo. 27.
Question No. 107 answered with QuestionNo. 27.

Tourism Promotion.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

108 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his obligations to expand and promote tourism here in competition with world wide locations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25917/07]

As Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism I am responsible for the formulation of Irish Tourism policy and overseeing its implementation and also for resourcing and providing appropriate oversight of the State's Tourism Agencies, namely Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority, and Tourism Ireland Limited which is the North South body established, following the Good Friday Agreement, to market the island of Ireland overseas as a tourism destination.

Current National Tourism policy is set out in the New Horizons for Irish Tourism Report which was produced by the Tourism Policy Review Group, appointed in Autumn 2003. It is also informed by the Agreed Programme for Government which, in addition to a series of specific provisions for Tourism, commits the Government to provide the sector with sustained support and investment in the coming years. To underpin that support, the National Development Plan provides for an investment of almost €800m in Tourism during the period of the Plan.

The Government has committed to spend €335m on Tourism Marketing under the National Development Plan. This money, which will be channelled via my Department's Vote, will help Tourism Ireland to promote the island of Ireland in innovative and creative ways, though a range of media, including digital media, in our key markets.

The levels of Tourism growth which we have been experiencing in 2006 and this year — 10% and 4% (Jan to August) respectively — suggest that Ireland is gaining market share.

Sports Funding.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

109 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the value of sport and recreational grant applicants received in his Department in 2007; the value of the applications approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25919/07]

Under the sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country for the provision of sports facilities.

No applications have been received in 2007 as the 2007 sports capital programme was advertised in the national press in October 2006 and the closing date for receipt of completed applications was 24th November 2006. Over 1,530 applications seeking funding totalling approximately €383.5 million were received for the 2007 programme and provisional allocations totalling €85 million were made to 935 projects on 5th April last.

Pension Provisions.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

110 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps being taken to improve the level of knowledge regarding the typical value of supplementary pensions and the profile of pension members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25934/07]

The profile of pension members is provided by regular CSO surveys on pension coverage, which are part of the Quarterly National Household Survey. Results were published in 2006 in respect of Quarter 4 2005, and another coverage survey can be expected in 2009. Further information on the relationship between employer characteristics (detailed sector, size of employer, etc.) and pension coverage can be expected from the 2008 National Employment Survey in 2009 or 2010.

While pension coverage statistics are available from various sources, information on the typical value of supplementary pensions is less well developed. Pension levels depend on the type of coverage (i.e., whether the scheme or pension plan is defined benefit or defined contribution). For defined contribution pensions, benefits can be affected by a range of risks, including investment and longevity risks. Contribution levels are a crucial determinant of final pension levels for these schemes, and research provided by CSO for the Pensions Green Paper puts average contribution rates to Personal Retirement Savings Accounts at 10.5 per cent of income. There are, of course, concerns that this level of contributions is not adequate to meet the aim in the Programme for Government to secure a retirement income from all sources of at least 50% of pre-retirement earnings. Average contribution rates to occupational defined contribution schemes are broadly similar. In addition, information on incomes of current pensioners is outlined in the Pensions Green Paper, including a breakdown of the sources of these incomes.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

111 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of families in each of counties Louth, Monaghan, Cavan, Leitrim, Sligo and Donegal receiving farm assist or family income supplement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25807/07]

The statistics requested by the Deputy are contained in the following tabular statement.

Farm assist is open to any person aged between 18 and 66 years who is engaged in farming. The scheme is means-tested, taking into account both farm income and off-farm income of the farmer and his/her spouse/partner.

The Family Income Supplement (FIS) is designed to provide cash support for employees on low earnings with families. FIS is paid for 52 weeks provided a person continues to meet the qualifying conditions and a claim for renewal may then be made.

County

Farm Assist

Family Income Supplement

Louth

54

797

Monaghan

399

401

Cavan

243

351

Leitrim

188

142

Sligo

186

313

Donegal

1,065

1,209

*Figures are for claims in payment as of 19th October 2007.

Pension Provisions.

Michael Creed

Question:

112 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if, in the context of proposed pension reform, he will review the spouses partnership option with a view to simplification and clarification; and if, in the case of older spouses on family farms which are held in joint ownership but where the spouse has no PRSI cover, he will introduce an amendment to the IQA means test in order to make some allowance for the de facto partnership between the spouses. [25876/07]

Spouses working for self-employed contributors are specifically excepted from social insurance contributions. This exclusion recognises the practical difficulties in establishing the nature of a genuine employment relationship in circumstances such as when a person employed under a contract of service (i.e. as an employee) by his or her spouse is classed as an "excepted" contributor under social welfare law. As a result, farming spouses, in common with spouses of other self-employed persons, can only pay PRSI contributions if they are involved in one of three scenarios.

Firstly, spouses who are actively engaged in a commercial partnership (as opposed to simply being the joint owners of a property) are treated as individual self-employed contributors and are thus liable to social insurance contributions. These contributions — made under PRSI Class S — enable them to build up an insurance record in their own right and to receive accruing benefits. A partnership is commonly understood to be an association of two or more persons for the purpose of gain or of sharing in the work and profits of an enterprise. Liability for PRSI contributions is not contingent on the ownership of property but rather on the nature of the business arrangements between the couple. Co-ownership of property does not in itself create a partnership.

Secondly, where a family business or farming enterprise is incorporated as a limited company, spouses involved in the business can establish a social insurance record as either employees or as self-employed contributors — depending on whether a contract of service exists.

Finally, a spouse engaged in off-farm employment, will pay social insurance contributions in his or her own right. This enables farming spouses who might otherwise not be insured to develop a social insurance record on the basis of their off-farm earnings.

An information leaflet is currently being developed between the Department of Social & Family Affairs and the Revenue Commissioners to set out the social welfare and tax implications of families co-working in a shared business. It has been agreed with the farming representatives that their views and input will feed into this process to ensure the new publication meets with their information needs and is customer orientated. It is hoped to publish the new information leaflet by end 2007.

Under the Programme for Government there is a commitment to improve the income limits associated with the qualified adult allowance to enable more people to qualify for it. The limits will be reviewed in the context of the budget.

On a more general note, issues relating to means testing of qualified adult pension payments are discussed in the Green Paper on pensions and decisions in this regard will be made in the context of the consultation process which is now underway and the development on the framework for long-term pensions policy.

Michael Creed

Question:

113 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the estimated cost of reforming the pension entitlements of certain self-employed contributors who are excluded by the ten year rule whereby a true pro-rata pension would be paid to all those who had more than five years contributions paid but less than the required ten years contributions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25877/07]

It is a fundamental principle of our social insurance system that those qualifying for benefits must satisfy a range of contribution and other conditions. In the case of contributory pensions, this involves commencing payment of contributions 10 years before pension age, payment of a minimum number of contributions at an appropriate rate and reaching a minimum average annual contribution rate. The state pension (contributory) is a valuable benefit and the conditions are designed to ensure that those qualifying have had a sufficient and ongoing attachment to the social insurance system.

A special pension for the self-employed was introduced in 1999 to enable people who were over age 56 at the time of the introduction of PRSI for the self-employed in 1988, and who could not therefore meet the standard qualifying conditions, to receive a contributory pension. The qualifying conditions require payment of 260 contributions. At present there are about 3,300 such pensions in payment.

The arrangements introduced in 1999 are designed to give some recognition under the social welfare pensions system to a group of people who would not otherwise qualify for any payment, contributory or means tested. The pension was considered a reasonable response to the position this particular group of people found themselves in, and it represents very good value for the level of contributions paid.

In the absence of a full assessment of the insurance records of those concerned, it is not possible to give an actual cost of converting this pension to a pro-rata payment related to the actual number of contributions made. A rough estimate of the cost, including the granting of a pro-rata increase for qualified adults, would be approximately €9 million per annum. However, the true cost of such a measure could be far higher as, in equity, it would be difficult to enhance the pensions of this group of pensioners without considering the position of other people such as those receiving the special pension based on pre 1953 social insurance contributions, or possibly, other people receiving standard rate reduced pensions.

As already said, when introduced, this pension was considered a reasonable response to the situation that existed at the time and, in my view, this remains the position.

School Meals.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

114 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will roll out a State wide school breakfast and meal scheme free of charge to pupils. [21476/07]

The school meals programme operated by my Department gives funding through two schemes towards provision of food services for disadvantaged school children. The first is the long-standing statutory urban school meals scheme, currently operated by 36 local authorities. The second is the school meals community (local projects) programme through which funding is provided by my Department to participating schools and voluntary community groups in both urban and rural areas who are running specific school meals projects, including breakfast clubs.

The Department of Education and Science identified a total of 875 disadvantaged schools under the ‘Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools' (DEIS) action plan in 2005. Approximately 400 of these schools were already receiving school meal funding.

The remaining schools were invited to apply for funding in August/September 2006. To date, a total of 651 DEIS schools are participating in the scheme.

The school meals programme has expanded significantly in recent years. The number of meals being provided on a daily basis to disadvantaged children through the school meals local projects scheme has doubled from 89,915 in the school year 2005/2006 to 179,660 in the school year 2006/2007. In 2006, some 1,394 schools with over 145,000 pupils benefited under the scheme. This is expected to increases to more than 165,000 pupils in over 1,800 schools throughout the state in 2007.

The school meals programme makes an important contribution to ensuring that school children receive better nutrition and contributes to improved school attendance and quality of learning. All relevant research indicates that there is a strong link between nutritional intake and cognitive ability and that inadequate nutrition impacts negatively on a child's ability to learn and benefit from education.

I am satisfied that the additional funding given to the school meals programme in recent years has enabled the programme to expand significantly and to assist schools and projects to provide healthy, nutritious food to the most disadvantaged children in our society who, by reason of lack of food, are unable to take full advantage of the educational opportunities presented to them.

The focus of the school meals scheme will remain on disadvantaged children and the inclusion of eligible DEIS schools in the scheme will continue to be my Department's main priority.

Road Network.

Denis Naughten

Question:

115 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 637 of 26 September 2007, the allocation of funding available on a county basis for the 2007 programme for Local Improvement Scheme Roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25845/07]

As I explained in the reply to the Parliamentary Question referred to by the Deputy, funding for Local Improvement Scheme (L.I.S.) roads from the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government (D/EHLG) has increased significantly in the past number of years. Consequently, my Department has decided to place a greater emphasis on funding water and sewerage schemes during 2007 under the CLÁR Programme.

However, I recently announced a new CLÁR LIS roads measure for 2007. In this context, the Deputy should note that the total funding available from my Department and the D/EHLG in 2007 is set to increase by almost 6% on that available in 2006.

Lis Clár Provisional Allocations for 2007

Local Authority

CLÁR Funding

Limerick

171,425.70

Monaghan

500,000.00

Roscommon

260,432.20

Louth

23,170.04

Sligo

470,129.90

Tipperary South

63,929.50

Laois

53,829.83

Clare

500,000.00

Kerry

500,000.00

Donegal

500,000.00

Offaly

48,335.50

Longford

268,002.00

Tipperary North

65,434.00

Cavan

176,588.00

Leitrim

500,000.00

Mayo

500,000.00

*Meath

0

Galway

500,000.00

Carlow

5,906.00

Kilkenny

16,530.50

Waterford

98,305.50

Cork

500,000.00

*Westmeath

0

*Wicklow

0

Dublin

Not in CLAR

Kildare

Not in CLAR

Wexford

Not in CLAR

* These counties have yet to make an application for LIS funding.

Grant Payments.

Tony Gregory

Question:

116 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his Department has received a grant application for funding to employ two additional youth workers by a group (details supplied) in Dublin 3; if he will give every consideration to this request in view of the special needs of this docklands area; when a decision will be reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25853/07]

Under the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund, applications for funding come through Development Groups in the designated areas and are submitted to the Fund's National Assessment Committee, which is chaired by my Department. I understand that, to date, the group in question has received capital funding of the order of €50,000 — in 2006/07.

To date, no application has been made through the Development Group to employ two additional youth workers.

Willie Penrose

Question:

117 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath will be paid the single farm payment, the area based payment and other payments due to them under the various farm schemes; if she will take steps to have same expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25810/07]

An application was received on the 9 May 2007 requesting the transfer of 39.85 Single Payment Scheme standard entitlements without land by way of inheritance to the person named. All necessary documentation relevant to this transfer was also received. The transfer of entitlements was fully processed and the person named has been notified.

The Single Payment Scheme / Disadvantaged Areas Scheme application of the person named has been fully processed and payments will issue to him shortly.

Billy Timmins

Question:

118 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow who is anxious to be granted their single payment scheme and disadvantaged areas compensatory allowance scheme; if this disadvantaged payment will be made as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25823/07]

An application under the Single Payment Scheme / Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 23 April 2007.

With regard to the Single Payment Scheme, the governing regulations provide for a payment date of 1 December, however, following my approach to the EU Commissioner, I secured approval for the early payment of advances from 16 October, with balancing payments to be made from 1 December. The advance payment of €729.89 under the 2007 Single Payment Scheme issued to the person named on 16 October.

Eligibility under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, requires, inter alia, a minimum of three forage hectares located within a designated Disadvantaged Area and a minimum stocking density for the holding of 0.15 livestock units per forage hectare, for a three-consecutive month period. As all the land declared by the person named is designated as Arable hectares, the person named is ineligible under the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme and is, therefore, not due any payment.

Food Labelling.

John Deasy

Question:

119 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her views on the fact that food products being labelled as Irish are being produced in other countries; the steps she will take to regularise this situation to ensure that the country of origin is shown on the label; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25829/07]

The Minister for Health & Children has overall responsibility for the general food labelling legislation. Responsibility for enforcement of labelling legislation rests with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) through its service contracts with my Department, the Sea Fisheries Protection Agency, the Health Services Executive, the Local Authorities and the National Consumer Agency.

The particular issue referred to in this question is where a primary product can enter Ireland and processed in some way thereby allowing it to be branded as an Irish product is known as "substantial transformation". This terminology originates in WTO, Codex and EU legislation governing the EU Customs Code and therefore can only be amended at EU level. I have been concerned that this arrangement could, in certain circumstances, be used to mislead the consumers as to the origin of the raw materials used in certain products. I am not satisfied with the current legal position and have raised my concerns at EU Council level.

The EU Commission is currently reviewing the whole area of food labelling and in that context my Department contributed to Ireland's submission which was co-ordinated by the Department of Health & Children. Within this submission Ireland again raised the matter of the unsatisfactory nature of the concept of substantial transformation and the possibility of it being used to disguise the origin of products from the public. I believe that the concept of substantial transformation needs to be more clearly defined and I will continue to urge the Commission to address this problem.

In the meantime my Department has been involved in consultations with the Department of Health and Children on drafting new regulations to require operators in the retail and catering sectors to provide country of origin information on poultrymeat, pigmeat and sheepmeat as is the case with beef.

A public consultation on the proposed regulations took place during the past month via the website of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland with the final date for receipt of comments being the 19th October. These comments will now be examined and the proposed legislation will be reviewed in the light of comments received. This process will take approximately three weeks. Thereafter the draft legislation will have to be forwarded to the European Commission. The commencement date for the legislation will depend on the Commission's response and possibly that of other Member States.

In the proposed legislation ‘origin' will be defined as the country where the animal was reared and, if different, the country of slaughter. This will have to be indicated on meat and meat products containing over 70% meat. Regardless of the nature, extent or location of processing or packaging that has gone into the manufacture of the product the requirement to show actual country of rearing and slaughter of the animal will remain in place and this will not be superseded by any ‘substantial transformation'.

Grant Payments.

Michael Ring

Question:

120 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be awarded the disadvantaged area scheme. [25859/07]

An application under the Single Payment Scheme / Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 1 May 2007.

The Terms and Conditions governing the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme require, inter alia, that applicants maintain a minimum stocking density on their holding of 0.15 livestock units per forage hectare declared for at least three consecutive months. However, where the holding of an applicant is identified as not meeting this minimum requirement, the person in question is invited to submit evidence of satisfactory stocking i.e. Flock Register, Horse Passports, or details of a REPS or Commonage Framework Plan, which provides for a lower stocking level. The person named was written to and invited to submit appropriate evidence of the number of sheep maintained on his farm. On receipt of a satisfactory response from the person named, the application will be further processed with a view to payment at an early date.

With regard to the Single Payment Scheme, the governing regulations provide for a payment date of 1 December, however, following my approach to the EU Commissioner, I secured approval for the early payment of advances from 16 October, with balancing payments to be made from 1 December. The advance payment of €4,484.44 issued to the person named on 16 October 2007.

Food Safety Standards.

Michael Creed

Question:

121 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the roles of the Food Safety Authority, An Bord Bia, and her Department’s pesticide control service in respect of monitoring pesticide residue in the horticulture and food industry; the number of samples taken in respect of all sectors in the horticulture industry for each of the past five years; the number of the tests conducted on each of these samples; and her views on the alleged use of a chemical (details supplied) on mushrooms just hours before harvest. [25865/07]

The Irish pesticide residue monitoring programme is agreed annually between the Food Safety Authority and my Department. My Department is responsible for the sampling and analysis of the produce included in the programme as set out in the service contract agreement between it and the FSAI. An Bord Bia does not have a role in the preparation or implementation of this programme.

The number of samples of fruit and vegetables analysed and the number of tests carried on each sample over the past 5 years are as follows:

Year

No of Samples

No of Tests

2002

559

89

2003

894

89

2004

907

118

2005

865

148

2006

909

148

2007 (end of September)

750

270

The results of the Department pesticide residue monitoring programmes are electronically available for the years 2000 to 2005 on the website www.pcs.agriculture.gov.ie . The 2006 report will also be available at this site when finalized.

In relation to the alleged use of the chemical mentioned in the question, there is no available evidence to confirm that this use took place. An analysis was carried on a sample of mushrooms in regard to this allegation in 2006, and the results obtained did not show the presence of any residues of the chemical referred to.

Farm Retirement Scheme.

Michael Creed

Question:

122 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will implement the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Agriculture regarding improvements to the early retirement scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25866/07]

The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture published its report on the Early Retirement Schemes in February 2005. The report dealt with a range of issues relating to the first Scheme of Early Retirement from Farming which was open to new entrants from 1994 to 1999 and the second Scheme which was open to new entrants from 2000 to 2006. I responded in detail to the report in September 2005.

As I explained in my response, certain of the Committee's recommendations were precluded by the EU Regulations under which the Schemes were operated. I saw some merit in other aspects of the Committee's report, however, specifically those relating to income limits. In line with the Committee's recommendations, I increased the off-farm income limit for transferees in the 2000–2006 Scheme from €25,400 to €40,000 and abolished the income limit for transferors with effect from 1 September 2006.

The Committee paid particular attention to two further issues. One was the implication of decoupling for retired farmers who had leased out land and quota to transferees before or during the Single Payment Scheme reference period. I believe we secured the best deal that we could for people in this situation, in spite of the reluctance of the Commission at the outset. A specific mandatory category was included in the National Reserve arrangements under the Single Payment Scheme. This category caters for farmers who inherited or otherwise received a holding free of charge or for a nominal amount from a farmer who retired or died before 16 May 2005 where the land in question was leased out to a third party during the reference period. Under these arrangements, where a farm reverted to the retired farmer at the end of a lease without any entitlements, the farmer taking it over will have access to the National Reserve. Retired farmers in the Early Retirement Scheme who farmed during part or all of the reference period and who held Single Payment entitlements could activate entitlements and lease them to their transferees. If the transferee did not wish to use the entitlements, a transferor had until 2007 to lease the entitlements with land to another farmer. Once at least 80% of the entitlements have been used by the lessee, the transferor had the option to sell the entitlements with or without land; otherwise, he can continue to lease the entitlements with land.

The second issue the Joint Committee focused on was the levels of payment under the two Schemes. In the course of discussions on this issue, the European Commission had pointed out that the rate in the earlier Scheme was set at the maximum amount for co-funding that the Regulation allowed, and that it would not be possible to secure co-funding for an increase in the rate of pension for existing participants in the 2000–2006 Scheme. The Commission indicated at a later stage, however, that it would not oppose increases for existing participants in both Schemes if they were funded entirely from the national exchequer as a State aid. I therefore announced substantial increases in the maximum pension rates payable under both Schemes which took effect from 1 November 2006. I increased the maximum pension rate payable under the 1994–1999 Scheme from €12,075 to €14,075 per annum and the maximum pension rate payable under the 2000–2006 Scheme from €13,515 to €15,000 per annum. These increases will cost some €33 million extra over the remaining period of the two Schemes, and over 5,000 retired farmers will benefit from them.

The maximum pension rate payable under the new Early Retirement Scheme, which was launched on 13 June 2007 and will run for the period 2007–2013 is €15,000 per annum.

The Joint Committee also raised issues about a number of cases in which farmers had entered the 1994–99 Scheme under the joint management arrangement. The three application types possible under that Scheme (sole application, joint ownership and joint management) were set down in my Department's Guidelines and the Scheme document. The joint management option meant that the Scheme was available to some farm households which would otherwise not have been able to benefit at all, and in other cases it meant that the pension could be paid for a longer period.

A number of participants who joined the Scheme under the joint management arrangement claimed to have not understood at the time that national retirement pensions payable to either or both parties in such cases would have to be deducted from the Early Retirement pension. Some of the individuals concerned argued to the Joint Committee that they should be able to change retrospectively the basis on which they entered the Scheme.

The Scheme does not allow for retrospective changes unless there are new facts or evidence that show that individual applications were wrongly classified in the first place. The requirement for the deduction of both spouses' national retirement pensions under the joint management arrangement was stated at the time in my Department's Guidelines and the Scheme document. Applicants for the Scheme, in consultation with their agricultural and or legal advisors, had an opportunity to decide on how best to structure the application to their best advantage, having regard to their individual circumstances and the Scheme conditions. My Department adjudicated on the eligibility of each application in accordance with the Scheme conditions.

Grant Payments.

Michael Creed

Question:

123 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount of grant aid received by a company (details supplied) in County Roscommon; if her Department is entitled to recoup this grant aid in view of the fact that the company has ceased trading and was involuntarily struck off the companies register; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25867/07]

Under the National Development Plan 2000-2006 the company named received grant aid of €23,553 in 2002 and €111,300 in 2004 under the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector. Grant aid was paid to this company in accordance with the terms of the specific grant aid scheme in question. The criteria for eligibility for the NDP grant aid as set out in the Terms and Conditions of the scheme and as published on the Department's website, include conditions relating to use of the grant-aided equipment for a minimum period.

The current status of the company and the use of the equipment which was grant-aided is being examined in this context. The outcome of those enquiries will determine whether any further action is necessary.

Decentralisation Programme.

Michael Creed

Question:

124 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, further to Parliamentary Question No. 115 of 11 October 2007, the number of current staff who have indicated that they are not prepared to consider moving from Dublin to Portlaoise; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25868/07]

Of the staff remaining in Dublin who have not moved to Portlaoise to date, 76 are assigned to move. While none of the remaining staff in my Department have been formally requested to indicate that they are not prepared to consider moving from Dublin to Portlaoise, a list of some 485 staff who have not expressed an interest in decentralising to Portlaoise or any other location was provided to the Department of Finance for inclusion in the Dublin arrangements in February of this year.

Farm Investigation.

Phil Hogan

Question:

125 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will make the reports available from the Environmental Protection Agency regarding a matter (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25900/07]

The farm in question was the subject of an intensive inter-agency investigation that commenced in 2004 and following which a draft report was produced in June 2006. The draft report has been the subject of further discussions and is expected to be finalised shortly.

As part of the investigation, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which is an agency under the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, produced a series of reports which I am arranging to have made available to the Deputy.

As the Deputy will be aware, a second, separate comprehensive investigation relating to this farm commenced late last year and is continuing.

Grant Payments.

Bobby Aylward

Question:

126 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will review the application by a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary for an allocation of payments from the 2005 single payment scheme national reserve with a view to having an allocation granted from the national reserve; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25905/07]

The person named applied under two measures of the Single Payment Scheme in 2005, namely the New Entrant (during the reference period) measure and the National Reserve measure. The person named was successful under the New Entrant measure and had the years 2000 and 2001 omitted from the calculation of his Single Payment.

The person named applied under Category B of the 2005 National Reserve which catered 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 included purchase or long term lease of land, purchase of suckler and/or ewe quota or other investments.

The person named applied under B (I) in respect of investment in the long-term leasing of land. However, the lease submitted stated that he was also leasing in a Milk Quota with the land. Therefore, he was deemed ineligible under this category as the investment made was regarded as not being directly linked to a farming sector for which direct payments under the Livestock and Arable Aid Schemes would have been payable during the reference period. A letter outlining this decision issued to the person named.

The person named submitted an appeal against my Department's decision. This appeal was forwarded to the Independent Single Payments Appeals Committee who upheld my Department's decision. A letter outlining the decision of the Committee also issued to the person named.

Subsequently the person named submitted additional information in which it was clarified that there was no Milk Quota being leased with the land. His National Reserve application was reviewed and was now deemed eligible.

However, as the person named also benefited under the New Entrant measure, the Regulations governing the Single Payment Scheme provide that checks must be made to ensure that an allocation from the National Reserve, to an applicant who has already benefited under other measures associated with the Single Payment Scheme, does not result in double benefit. An applicant may only benefit from the measure that is most beneficial.

In this regard it has been established that the New Entrant measure was financially more beneficial and the National Reserve has been rescinded in favour of the New Entrant measure. A letter outlining this decision has issued to the person named on 10 September 2007.

School Accommodation.

Eamon Scanlon

Question:

127 Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Education and Science the position with regard to an application of a school (details supplied) in County Sligo for a devolved grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25793/07]

An application was submitted to the Department under the Small Schools Scheme 2007 by the school referred to by the Deputy. Due to the volume of applications received in the Department it was not possible to allocate funding to all proposed projects and the school referred to was not successful in this instance. The school referred to was approved grant-aid in June 2007 towards the rental of temporary accommodation to accommodate a mainstream class and resource class with effect from September, 2007.

School Enrolments.

John Curran

Question:

128 Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide a full breakdown on a school by school basis on the number of children in each grade and class in each of the 13 primary schools in Lucan as of September 2007. [25794/07]

The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available and would take an inordinate amount of administrative time to compile.

As the Deputy will be aware, major improvements have been made in staffing at primary level in recent years. There are now 5,000 more primary teachers than there were in 2002. By the 2006/07 school year, we had reduced the average class size in our primary schools to 24, while the pupil teacher ratio was 16.4:1, including resource teachers etc. In that year, schools were staffed on the basis of a general rule of at least one classroom teacher for every 28 children. Given that the national average was 24, many schools benefited from much more favourable staffing ratios than this.

Extra teachers were provided by the Government for the 2007/08 school year to improve primary school staffing so that schools would generally get at least one classroom teacher for every 27 children. Posts allocated on the basis of this staffing schedule are specifically for mainstream classes and should be deployed accordingly. School authorities are requested to ensure that the number of pupils in any class is kept as low as possible, taking all relevant contextual factors into account (e.g. classroom accommodation, fluctuating enrolment). In particular, school authorities should ensure that there is an equitable distribution of pupils in mainstream classes and that the differential between the largest and smallest classes is kept to a minimum.

A further initiative in recent years that has been of direct benefit to primary schools has been the change in the criteria for developing schools. For the current school year the threshold for getting a developing school post was reduced specifically to help schools that are seeing large increases in enrolments each year. Over 350 such posts have been sanctioned in the 2007/08 school year compared to 280 in 2006/07.

The improvements we have made in school staffing in recent years are absolutely unparalleled. The Government is committed to providing more teachers to our primary schools over the next five years. We will also continue our focus on measures to improve the quality of education in our primary schools to ensure that increased resources lead to better outcomes for our children.

Schools Amalgamation.

Martin Ferris

Question:

129 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will make a statement on the proposed amalgamation of the primary schools in Lixnaw. [25795/07]

The Department has carried out a technical investigation of existing school buildings to determine their suitability to host an amalgamated school. This investigation has ruled out the use of existing buildings and sites for the purposes of amalgamation. The Parish has offered to make a site available for an amalgamated school and the Department has carried out a technical inspection of this site also and has deemed it suitable for a proposed amalgamated school.

An assessment of projected enrolment trends, demographic trends and housing developments in the area is now necessary in order to determine the long term projected staffing figure on which the amalgamated school's accommodation needs will be based.

Once the long term projection has been determined and agreed with the school authorities the building project will be considered in the context of the multi annual School Building and Modernisation programme.

Early School Leavers.

Brian Hayes

Question:

130 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide a county by county breakdown of the 3,679 fifteen year olds that have ceased full-time education when a most recent census was taken in April 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25830/07]

The information requested by the Deputy is not available in the published CSO volume on Education. The information can only be supplied by the Central Statistics Office.

School Enrolments.

Brian Hayes

Question:

131 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of appeals taken under section 29 of the Education Act 1998 to the Secretary General of her Department, where a student has been refused enrolment of a particular school; if the information in terms of the appeals will be set out in each year over the past five years on a county basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25831/07]

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, primary and post-primary tables providing a breakdown by outcome of Section 29 appeals taken against schools who refused enrolment over the last 5 years are as follows:

Post Primary Stats — Section 29

Refusal to enrol

Withdrawn

Local Resolution

Facilitator Resolution

Upheld at Hearing

Not Upheld at Hearing

Totals

2003

29

0

7

14

8

58

2004

27

10

20

31

30

118

2005

18

39

13

31

36

137

2006

25

8

3

30

27

93

2007*

19

2

6

35

19

81

Primary Stats — Section 29

Refusal to enrol

Withdrawn

Local Resolution

Facilitator Resolution

Upheld at Hearing

Not Upheld at Hearing

Totals

2003

13

3

9

18

5

48

2004

20

3

11

29

11

74

2005

7

10

15

24

14

70

2006

27

5

9

20

13

74

2007*

58

4

19

24

57

162

* Please note that stats for each year only include appeals which are completed in that year, ie appeal commencing in Dec '05 but not concluded until Jan '06 will be included in 2006 stats. Also stats for 2007 only include completed appeals up to 23rd October, 2007.

Gaeltacht Scholarships.

Brian Hayes

Question:

132 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason her Department is refusing to pay Gaeltacht scholarships to students who are attending universities and studying in their chosen subjects, where not all of that course is taught through Irish; if this is the reversal of a previous position; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25832/07]

I understand the Deputy's question relates to An Scéim Scoláireachtaí Gaeilge Tríú Leibhéal: Teoranta, under which my Department awards annually, on a competitive basis, twenty scholarships to students who have, among other things, attended an all-Irish second-level school and reached a certain minimum standard in the Leaving Certificate.

These scholarships are only tenable in respect of courses specified in the scheme which must be pursued entirely through the medium of Irish.

Under the terms of this scheme — An Scéim Scoláireachtaí Gaeilge Tríú Leibhéal: Teoranta — the requirement whereby scholarships are only paid to those pursuing an approved course entirely through the medium of Irish has not altered this year.

My Department offers scholarships under two other schemes — Scéim Scoláireachtaí Triú Leibhéal do Scoláirí ón nGaeltacht and Scéim Scoláireachtaí Gaeilge Triú Leibhéal (Neamh Theoranta) — to students who have, among other things, attended an all-Irish second-level school and reached a certain minimum standard in the Leaving Certificate. For each of these schemes the recipients are not required to pursue their third level studies through the medium of Irish.

Pre-School Services.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

133 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Science if there are plans to provide State funding for tuition and transport costs for children diagnosed with autism who have to attend private pre-school for children with autism because they cannot access a place on a publicly funded pre-school course; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25835/07]

The Deputy will be aware of my commitment to ensuring that all children, including those with autism, receive an education appropriate to their needs. The number of early intervention classes for children with autism funded by my Department is increasing. Funding is also provided through the home tuition programme for children with autism aged from 2 ½ years to 5 who are not enrolled in early intervention classes. Up to 3 years of age, a child is funded for ten hours per week early intervention home based programme. This increases to 20 hours per week once the child is 3 years of age.

The terms of School Transport Scheme may only be considered in respect of educational facilities which are recognised by my Department; therefore, the question of providing transport to private pre-schools does not arise.

School Transport.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

134 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will report on the operation of the school transport system in the catchment area of a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the reason there are not enough places available for all students who need them on the school transport scheme in this catchment area; if Bus Éireann or the VEC are in charge of seat allocation for the school transport scheme in this catchment area; the reason students in this recognised catchment area whose siblings have been allocated tickets are being denied tickets for the school transport scheme; if she has plans to review the boundaries of the catchment areas for the school transport scheme in view of significant population changes and development over the past thirty years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25843/07]

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.

The scheme is not designed to facilitate parents who choose to send their children to a post-primary centre outside of the catchment area in which they reside. However, children who are fully eligible for transport to the post-primary centre in the catchment area in which they reside, may apply for transport on a concessionary basis to a post-primary centre outside of their own catchment area — otherwise known as catchment boundary transport. These children can only be facilitated if spare seats are available on the bus after all other eligible children travelling to their local post-primary centre have been catered for. Such children have to make their own way to the nearest pick up point within that catchment area.

The Transport Liaison Officer for South Co. Tipperary and Bus Éireann have advised that the transport service in question is operating to capacity. Families who have not been allocated seats should continue to liaise with Bus Éireann regarding availability.

The Programme for Government includes a commitment to review the school transport scheme, including catchment boundaries. My Department is currently considering how best to progress this task.

Site Acquisitions.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

135 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if there has been a successful conclusion to the discussions on the purchase of a site for a permanent school (details supplied) in County Kildare. [25860/07]

Discussions are on-going with the local authority in relation to a site for a permanent home for the school to which the Deputy refers. In the meantime arrangements are being made to ensure that the school will be adequately accommodated in temporary accommodation until such a time as a site has been acquired and a permanent building provided.

Driving Tests.

Joe Costello

Question:

136 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will ensure that all senior pupils in second level schools have the opportunity to study the driving theory test and to pass the theory test prior to leaving school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25861/07]

A Road Safety programme for use in Transition Year has been developed and is currently being piloted in schools. The programme provides a structured approach towards the development of responsible attitudes towards road safety and driver education and builds on the knowledge gained from current Social Personal and Health Education programmes (SPHE). Covering areas such as seatbelt use, hazard perception and driver attitudes towards alcohol and drug use the Transition Year Road Safety Programme will also prepare students for the Driver Theory Test. The Road Safety Authority has also obtained input from the Gardaí, NCT centres and Bus Eireann in the delivery of this programme.

In April 2007, the Streetwise programme for junior cycle pupils was launched covering key road safety issues. This has been piloted successfully in schools and will be available for live implementation in 07/08. In addition, the Social Personal and Health Education programme, which is mandatory in primary schools and at junior cycle level, provides a framework under which the generic values and skills which underpin responsible decision-making, and respect for the rights and safety of others, can be developed and promoted among students. SPHE has a specific personal safety strand within the programme, and this provides a mechanism through which road safety issues for all can be best dealt with in an age appropriate way. My Department will continue to work with the Road Safety Authority to strengthen the role of schools in promoting road safety even further.

Education Welfare Service.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

137 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will report on the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 who was excluded from school in September 2006 and the assessment that has taken place in relation to this child; the findings of that assessment; and the arrangements she is making to provide an education service for this child. [25909/07]

The Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 established the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) as the single national body with responsibility for school attendance. The Act provides a comprehensive framework promoting regular school attendance and tackling the problems of absenteeism and early school leaving. The general functions of the Board are to ensure that each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education.

Enrolment decisions are the responsibility of the Board of Management of each individual school. My Department has no role in relation to processing applications for enrolment by schools. Section 29 of the Education Act 1998, provides parents with an appeal process where a Board of Management of a school or a person acting on behalf of the Board refuses enrolment to a child. Where a school refuses to enrol a pupil, the school is obliged to inform parents of their right under Section 29 of Education Act 1998 to appeal that decision to the Secretary General of my Department. It is only where an appeal under Section 29 is upheld that the Secretary General of my Department may direct a school to enrol a pupil.

An appeal under section 29 of the Education Act 1998 was heard in April 2007 in respect of a refusal by St. Canice's School to enrol the child referred to by the Deputy. The appeal was not upheld. I am informed that the National Educational Welfare Board are actively working on this case and that an assessment has been carried out on this child to ascertain an appropriate placement. The Board continues to work to find an appropriate school placement for this child. In the interim, home tuition has been sanctioned for the child pending provision of a suitable placement.

Proposed Legislation.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

138 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of many parents regarding the content available to young children via the internet and mobile phone software; if the Government has plans to legislate for this; if discussion has been held or consideration given to requiring the placing of age limits or ratings on certain content similar to that which is in force for DVDs and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25792/07]

I am very aware of the concerns of parents, teachers and voluntary organisations regarding the content available to children via the internet, whether this be through PCs or mobile phones. There is an increasing level of convergence across new communications technologies, including access to internet services through mobile phones. This can include child pornography, racist or hate material, intimidation and bullying. The internet however is an international and world-wide phenomenon with no borders and no single organisation controlling it. Combating illegal and harmful use of the internet requires a combination of responses at national and international level — legislators, law enforcement, schools, child protection practitioners, parents and guardians. As with most jurisdictions the principle applied in the State is that what is unlawful on the ground is also unlawful on the internet.

One of my first steps as Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform was to provide for the establishment of the Office for Internet Safety (OIS) as an executive office within my Department. Arrangements for the staffing and headquartering of the office are well advanced, and I expect the office to be fully functioning shortly. The new Office will continue to build on the work of the Internet Advisory Board which was set up in February, 2002 following the Report of the Working Group on the Illegal and Harmful use of the Internet. It will oversee and further develop the self-regulatory regime for the Irish internet service providers, encourage best practice procedures; promote awareness of the internet downside issues and provide advice and facilitate research on internet related issues regarding child safety. The OIS will also be tasked with investigating, in conjunction with the An Garda Síochána, the issue of applying blocking technology to the internet, and will consider the possibility of operating some form of symbol assignment to content as a method of rating such content as age appropriate within Ireland.

The OIS will also continue to oversee the operation of the Hotline (www.hotline.ie — the system for dealing with reports of illegal content on the internet). The Hotline is funded by the Internet Service Providers' Association of Ireland with support from the EU Safer Internet Action Plan. It accepts and investigates reports from the public in relation to child pornography and other illegal material on the internet. It plays an important part by accepting reports, providing the resources to validate them and channel those that are illegal directly to the appropriate jurisdiction and authority. If the material is hosted in Ireland, it will request the relevant Internet Service Provider (ISP) to remove it, in accordance with their Code of Practice and Ethnics. Special protocols operate between the Gardaí and the Hotline that maximise cooperation on law enforcement issues. The Hotline provides a first port of call for parents and members of the public in general who encounter illegal material on the internet.

The Hotline works closely with, and is a founding member of, the international INHOPE Association (www.inhope.org), a network of European hotlines which is expanding to all parts of the world. The INHOPE Association develops procedures and shares information on the best practices for the tracing and tracking of illegal child pornography. I recently launched two new booklets in the GET with IT! Series on behalf of the Internet Advisory Board (IAB). The first booklet "Get with IT" A Parents Guide to new media technologies is an update on the Board's first "Get with IT" booklet which was originally published in September, 2005 and was a major success. That booklet gave an overview of new technologies for parents in an effort to address their potential worries about the dangers of the new media for their children.

The second booklet "Get with IT" A Parents' Guide to filtering technologies helps parents navigate the processes of how to use filtering technology. One of the more effective measures a parent can use to protect children from the dangers of illegal or harmful content on the internet is through the use of filtering software. Filtering software is a program that ‘filters' out and blocks inappropriate internet content before children can see it on the computer screen. Experience has shown that filtering tools are capable of filtering potentially harmful content without seriously degrading the internet experience of the youngster. In most cases, computers will already have ‘filters' that one can use for free. All a person has to do is switch them on including options for downloading additional filtering software. This booklet should assist parents in deciding on how to choose a particular package to suit their needs.

Copies of these publications were distributed widely and can be had on request through a freefone number 1800 24 25 95. They are also available on the website of my Department at <www.justice.ie>.

Garda Recruitment.

Willie Penrose

Question:

139 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the details regarding Garda recruitment to date; when a person (details supplied) who has been interviewed for a second time over a year ago will be recruited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25811/07]

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

The Public Appointments Service is located in Chapter House, 26-30 Abbey Street Upper, Dublin 1, and can be contacted at Lo-Call 1890 44 99 99 or by e-mail at info@publicjobs.ie.

Citizenship Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

140 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to an application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25815/07]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question 961 on 26 September 2007. The position remains as stated.

Asylum Support Services.

Michael Ring

Question:

141 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of properties spread over a town in which asylum seekers are housed (details supplied) in County Mayo; the capacity of each of those properties; and the amount of money paid to the proprietor of these buildings for 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007. [25817/07]

Michael Ring

Question:

142 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if approval has been given by his Department for the housing of asylum seekers at a premises (details supplied) in County Mayo; the number of asylum seekers based in this location; and if all the asylum seekers are contained within one property or if they are spread over a number of properties. [25818/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 141 and 142 together.

The Reception & Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department is principally charged with two sets of responsibility (1) accommodation of asylum seekers while their applications for asylum are processed and (2) to develop, drive and coordinate integration policy across other Government departments, agencies and services for all legally resident migrants and to coordinate the Government's resettlement programme.

In July 2006, the RIA placed a national advertisement seeking expressions of interest from persons who could offer suitable accommodation for asylum seekers. The RIA continues to receive offers of accommodation on foot of this advertisement. In fulfilling its remit to provide accommodation for asylum seekers, the RIA examines all offers of accommodation for their suitability and decisions on the possible use of individual premises are taken on the basis of current needs at any particular time.

In the case of the premises referred to by the Deputy, the RIA has approved its use as a direct provision accommodation centre for asylum seekers. The centre complex comprises a series of buildings, viz., the original building described by the Deputy; twelve single storey bungalow-type chalets; and eighteen two storey duplex ‘townhouses'. All of these units are collectively viewed by RIA as a single centre with an overall capacity of 328 persons. The different types of accommodation elements are accessed depending on the family profile of the asylum seekers assigned to the centre at any one time. The numbers allocated to each part of the centre will also vary in accordance with the family make-up. The actual number accommodated at the centre on 14/10/07 was 328, i.e., its full capacity.

Services at asylum seeker accommodation centres are provided to RIA on a fixed cost, flat rate basis. All costs related to the provision of the service is borne by the contractor. Between December 1999 and 10 April 2000 (when Direct Provision was introduced) the rates paid to providers of direct provision ranged from €200-€344 per person per week (pppw). Since that time and despite considerable inflationary pressures, the RIA have achieved reductions in the rates paid which now fall within the normal range of €189-255 pppw. Contracts for services at direct provision centres are not usually issued on a calendar year basis, i.e., they usually begin at some point during a year and could range in length from six months to a number of years. The RIA is unable to provide the detailed financial information requested as its release could prejudice the competitive position of the State but can confirm that the rates are within the range stated.

Separately from its function of accommodating those in the asylum process and in fulfilment of its integration function, the RIA has contracted a separate building in the same town consisting of fifteen apartments, which is being used as an Orientation Centre for programme refugees admitted under a UN resettlement programme. Programme Refugees will spend approximately eight weeks in the centre where they will be provided with intensive cultural orientation and language training programme to prepare them for independent living in the community. The children between the ages of six and eighteen years undergo a separate programme to prepare for entry into mainstream education. On completion of the eight week orientation programme, the resettled refugees will transfer to other parts of the country for permanent resettlement. This Orientation Centre is currently assisting approximately fifty two refugees from Myanmar/Burma who will move to Castlebar in mid November for permanent resettlement.

Visa Applications.

M. J. Nolan

Question:

143 Deputy M. J. Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on an application for the extension of a work visa for a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25819/07]

I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that there is no record of an application for permission to remain from the person referred to by the Deputy. The person concerned should contact the Immigration Division of my Department, General Immigration, 3rd Floor, 13/14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2, outlining their future intentions in the State and enclosing supporting documentation.

Garda Operations.

Shane McEntee

Question:

144 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of the Garda Síochána road checkpoints in the period January to June 2007 and in July, August and September 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25820/07]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that as part of ongoing policing activity Garda personnel conduct checkpoints both as directed by local Garda management and as considered necessary in specific circumstances. I am also informed that data is not collected on the number of checkpoints conducted and that it would necessitate a disproportionate expenditure of Garda time and resources to collate the information requested.

Citizenship Applications.

John Curran

Question:

145 Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when it is expected that a decision will be made regarding naturalisation for persons (details supplied) in County Dublin. [25828/07]

Applications for certificates of naturalisation from the individuals referred to in the Deputy's Question were received in the Citizenship Section of my Department in April 2004. Officials in that section inform me that processing of the applications has commenced and the files will be forwarded to me for a decision in the near future. I will inform the Deputy and the persons concerned when I have reached a decision on the matter.

Visa Applications.

Pat Breen

Question:

146 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application by persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25842/07]

The visa applications referred to by the Deputy are currently receiving attention. A decision will issue in the near future.

Citizenship Applications.

Denis Naughten

Question:

147 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if residency in Northern Ireland can be included in the calculation of the minimum required period of residency prior to applying for citizenship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25848/07]

Since the Deputy has not provided details of a particular case, I can only set out the position generally. The statutory requirements for naturalisation are set out in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. This provides that applicants for naturalisation, other than spouses of Irish citizens, must have been resident in the State for five years of the nine year period prior to the date of application. Resident in this context means residence for which the applicant had the permission of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and where such permission was not granted for the purposes of study or seeking asylum.

A foreign national married to an Irish citizen for at least three years may apply for naturalisation under section 15A of the Irish Naturalisation and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended, where they have been continuously resident on the island of Ireland for the year immediately prior to the date of their application and for two out of the four years prior to that year. The marriage concerned must be recognised under the laws of the State as subsisting.

Departmental Correspondence.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

148 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 649 of 26 June 2007, if progress has been made in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25864/07]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 84 of Thursday, 1 February, 2007, 148 of Thursday, 5 April, 2007 and 649 of Tuesday, 26 June, 2007 and the written replies to those Questions. The position remains unchanged.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

149 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if progress has been made in the application for family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25893/07]

I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person in question made a Family Reunification application in February 2007.

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

This application will be considered by my Department and a decision will issue in due course. At the present time Family Reunification applications are taking up to 24 months to process.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

150 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25894/07]

I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person in question made a Family Reunification application in September 2005. In the course of processing the application, questions arose in relation to the authenticity of certain documents submitted. This issue is currently being investigated. This application is under consideration and a decision will issue in due course.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

151 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will re-examine the application for family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25895/07]

I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the Family Reunification application from the person in question was refused because the persons on whose behalf the application was made did not qualify as ‘dependent member of the family', as outlined in Section 18(4)(b) of the Refugee Act 1996.

There are no provisions under Section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996 for the appeal of a Family Reunification decision.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

152 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or pending residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25896/07]

The person concerned arrived in the State on 18 March, 2003 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, the person concerned was informed by letter dated 9 February, 2005, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State; leaving the State before an order was made or consenting to the making of a deportation order. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned.

The person's case file, including all representations submitted, will be considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (Prohibition of Refoulement). I expect the file to be passed to me for decision in due course.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

153 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25897/07]

The person concerned arrived in the State on 28 June, 2004 and applied for asylum on the same day. Her application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, she was informed by letter dated 13 November, 2006, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State; leaving the State before an order is made or consenting to the making of a deportation order. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned under section 3 of the aforementioned act.

This person's case file, including all representations submitted, will be considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (Prohibition of Refoulement). I expect the file to be passed to me for decision in due course.

Garda Investigations.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

154 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action that has been taken following the discovery of the burial of an unidentified deceased woman by the Gardaí in County Wexford in the 1990s; when her remains will be exhumed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25906/07]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that a complete review of all the issues surrounding the burial of an unidentified woman, discovered in County Wexford in December, 1995 is currently being conducted by An Garda Síochána. The issue of exhumation will be considered in the context of the review.

I am further informed that prior to the burial of the unidentified body an exhaustive search was carried out involving Interpol and the Missing Persons Bureau at Garda Headquarters in an effort to identify the remains.

Waste Disposal.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

155 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his Departments policy in relation to landfill, incineration or other forms of waste disposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25812/07]

The Programme for Government contains a range of commitments in respect of waste management policy centred on the Government's continued support for the internationally recognised waste hierarchy which places major emphasis on the prevention, reuse and recycling of waste while minimising reliance on landfill and other disposal options. This commitment to the waste hierarchy has added significance in the context of the requirements of the EU Landfill Directive to divert waste from landfill. Meeting this obligation will entail doubling the existing level of diversion from landfill by 2010 and further increases in diversion in subsequent years.

The Programme makes major commitments in relation to national waste policy, including, in particular, an emphasis on moving away from a high reliance on incineration. In this regard it is intended that there will be an increased commitment to the use of alternative technologies, including mechanical and biological treatment.

Travel Allowances.

Eamon Scanlon

Question:

156 Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the exact position with regard to county councils nationally paying councillors’ expenses to attend meetings (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25834/07]

I have directed that travel and subsistence allowances at standard rates are payable in relation to attendance by members of local authorities at meetings of a River Basin District (RBD) Advisory Council. Such allowances are payable with effect from the date of appointment of the member to the Advisory Council and are additional to the annual expenses allowances otherwise payable to elected members of local authorities. Payment can be made by the appointing local authority or, with agreement of the relevant local authorities, by the Advisory Council.

Waste Recycling.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

157 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the investigation his Department has carried out in respect of expected markets for materials extracted during mechanical biological treatment at landfill sites. [25836/07]

Ireland has seen dramatic improvements in municipal waste recycling over the past decade. The most recent National Waste Report, published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), states that the recovery rate for municipal waste in 2005 was 34.6%. This was almost four times the equivalent figure for 1998, which was 9%. These increases in recycling rates were achieved through a range of measures including segregated collections for dry recyclables and the provision of a nationwide network of bring facilities where materials can be deposited for recycling. Notwithstanding these increases, high quality mechanical and biological treatment of residual municipal waste can contribute to further improvements in municipal waste recovery and recycling particularly in relation to metals and plastics.

Demand for recyclable material remains strong internationally as evidenced by high prices for plastics and metals. As outlined in successive National Waste Reports, Ireland relies significantly on foreign-based materials recycling infrastructure, which dealt with 83% of recycled waste in 2005. Europe accounts for 86% of all recyclable waste exported from Ireland.

A Market Development Programme for Waste Resources 2007-2011 was published in April 2007. The purpose of the Programme is to promote stable demand for recovered materials, including materials recovered at MBT plants, and to support the achievement of economies of scale in the production of products made from recycled materials, as well as the need for more recycling infrastructure in Ireland to reduce reliance on overseas markets. The Programme also seeks to identify new applications and markets for recyclable material and secondary recycled products. Implementation arrangements for the Programme will be put in place shortly.

EU Directives.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

158 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding Ireland’s steps to comply with European Directives 91/271/EEC and 76/464/EEC, following the ruling of the European Court of Justice on 2 June 2005 in case C-282/02 for not having an authorisation system for discharges from urban waste water treatment plants and other waste water infrastructure. [25837/07]

I made the Waste Water Discharge (Authorisation) Regulations 2007 on 27 September 2007 to provide for the authorisation by the Environmental Protection Agency of discharges to waters from local authority waste water treatment works and collection systems. These regulations implement Article 6(2) of Directive 2006/11/EC (which replaced Directive 76/464/EEC) on pollution caused by certain dangerous substances discharged into the aquatic environment, which requires discharges that are liable to contain any of a range of substances to have prior authorisation by a competent authority.

Compliance with the requirements of the EU Directive 91/271/EEC in relation to secondary treatment of wastewater discharges has risen from 25% at the start of 2000 to 90% at present. All remaining schemes required to achieve full compliance are included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

159 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to the European Commission infringement procedure no. 1997/4409 on Ireland’s failure to respect obligations regarding microbiological standards for drinking water as set out in the Drinking Water Directive 80/778/EEC and gaps in Irish legislation governing private water supplies. [25838/07]

The position in this case is that a judgment against Ireland was made by the European Court of Justice on 14 November 2002 in relation to the quality of over 1600 public and group scheme drinking water supplies. Since then, my Department has put in place an extensive programme of remediation measures for both the public schemes and the group water schemes cited in the judgment and has reported regularly to the Commission on progress under this programme and on the monitoring results for those schemes.

An Article 228 Reasoned Opinion regarding this case was issued by the Commission in March 2007 and a response issued to the Commission in May 2007. There is ongoing consultation between my officials and the Commission in relation to this case and it is one of the infringement cases that I discussed at my meeting with Commissioner Dimas in July, shortly after taking up office.

In relation to the transposition of the Directive, the European Communities (Drinking Water) (No. 2) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 278 of 2007) were made on 12 June 2007. These Regulations apply to both public drinking water supplies and group water scheme supplies. Following formal notification to the Commission by my Department of the making of these Regulations, the Commission has indicated that it is satisfied that the Drinking Water Directive 98/83/EEC (which replaced the Drinking Water Directive 80/778/EEC) has been fully transposed into Irish law.

Anti-Social Behaviour.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

160 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on putting in place a proper system to enable resident associations to make complaints to the Private Rented Tenancies Board about anti-social behaviour issues arising from rented properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25839/07]

Action to deal with anti-social behaviour is primarily an issue for the Garda Síochána and legislation in this regard is the responsibility of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

Landlords are, however, responsible for enforcing the obligations that apply to their tenants under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004. The Act, in this regard, prohibits a private rental tenant engaging in anti-social behaviour in, or in the vicinity of, a dwelling to which the Act applies and allows a landlord to terminate any tenancy where the tenant is engaging in or allowing others to engage in such behaviour, subject to a notice period of only 7 days in the case of serious anti-social behaviour or 28 days in the case of less serious but persistent behaviour. The Residential Tenancies Act also provides for a third party affected by anti-social behaviour to take a case to the Private Residential Tenancies Board against a landlord who has failed to enforce tenant obligations. The Board can direct the landlord to ensure that tenants comply with their obligations and can enforce compliance through the Courts.

The Private Residential Tenancies Board also has a role in keeping the operation of the Residential Tenancies Act under review and for the making of recommendations for the amendment of the Act and any other related enactments.

Archaeological Sites.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

161 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the urgent need to bring in legislation to ensure that Ireland complies with the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive 1 and that Ireland require environmental impact assessments for significant archaeological finds and national monuments. [25840/07]

Part 10 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 as amended implements the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive, 85/337/EEC, as amended.

The prescribed classes of development that require EIS are listed in Schedule 5 of the Regulations. Schedule 6 of the Regulations sets out the information to be contained in an EIS and specifies that it must include "a description of the aspects of the environment likely to be significantly affected by the proposed development, including in particular ... material assets, including the architectural and archaeological heritage, and the cultural heritage".

As indicated in the reply to Question No. 579 of 23 October 2007, in the course of a Reasoned Opinion received in June 2007 the European Commission expressed its view that under the requirements of the EIA Directive a new environmental impact assessment was required before a decision was taken on how to proceed in relation to the newly discovered national monument at Lismullin. Ireland responded in detail to the concerns raised by the Commission, indicating that the Irish authorities consider that the provisions of EU and Irish Law were full complied with in this case and that they are supported in that view by legal advice from the Attorney General as well as judgements from the High and Supreme courts. The Commission has now decided to refer its infringement complaint to the European Court of Justice and it will be a matter for that Court to determine the legal issues involved in due course.

There is a commitment in the Programme for Government to maximise and clarify the protection provided to our archaeological heritage. On foot of this commitment I have initiated a comprehensive review, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, of archaeological policy and practice in Ireland. It is my intention, following the review, to bring forward any necessary measures, including legislative proposals, to enhance the protection we afford to our archaeological heritage.

Tony Gregory

Question:

162 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason for the three month delay before placing a protection order on Rath Lugh in view of its vulnerable position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25854/07]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 89 of 10 October 2007.

In early August concerns were raised with me about the potential for damage to the national monument known as Rath Lugh in the townland of Lismullin, Co. Meath. Having investigated the matter, and given its archaeological importance, I placed a temporary Preservation Order on the monument on 28 September 2007. Prior notification of my intention in this regard was sent to the registered owner of the lands on which the monument is located, Coillte Teoranta, on 4 September 2007.

Waste Management.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

163 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the looming crisis in waste management due to the absence of direction and co-ordination of a clear regulatory framework and of clarity of direction in terms of waste ownership and provision of infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25857/07]

The Programme for Government contains a range of commitments in respect of waste management policy including a commitment to undertake an international review of waste management plans, practices and procedures and to act on its conclusions. As I announced recently, I have already directed my Department to commission such a review, to commence as soon as possible and to conclude in the shortest possible timeframe.

This review will involve comprehensive research on the waste sector in Ireland and will cover a wide range of issues to help identify how best to proceed with further efforts to reduce waste levels, improve recycling rates and deliver cost-effective waste management solutions for businesses and householders. Included in its scope will be an examination of the legal, institutional and infrastructure arrangements that apply to waste management.

EU Directives.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

164 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding Ireland’s steps to comply with the Environment Noise Directive 2002/49/EC; and if he will provide information regarding noise from major roads as required by the Directive. [25924/07]

The Environmental Noise Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 140 of 2006) gives effect in Ireland to EU Directive 2002/49/EC relating to the assessment and management of environmental noise. The Environmental Protection Agency is the national authority with overall responsibility for implementing the Regulations. Implementation at local level is a matter for local authorities concerned, Dublin Airport Authority, the National Roads Authority, Iarnród Éireann and the Railway Procurement Agency.

On noise from major roads, I refer to the reply to Question No. 375 of 17 October, 2007.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

165 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps taken by Ireland to ratify the Aarhus Convention on access to information, public participation in decision making and access to justice in environmental matters in view of the fact that Ireland is the only EU country not to have ratified the convention. [25926/07]

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

166 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps taken by Ireland to transpose the EU Directive on public participation into Irish law. [25927/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 165 and 166 together.

Ireland signed the Aarhus Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters on 25 June 1998. Progress towards ratification of the Convention is closely aligned with work at EU level. To date, the European Union has adopted two directives as part of the ratification process for the Convention. These deal with public access to environmental information (2003/4/EC) and public participation in certain environmental decision-making procedures (2003/35/EC).

Regulations transposing the European Communities (Access to information on the Environment) Directive 2003/4/EC were signed and came into effect on 1 May 2007.

The process to transpose Directive 2003/35/EC is well advanced with legislation completed to amend the majority of the relevant consent systems. The remaining work on the outstanding consent systems will be completed at the earliest possible date.

Having regard to the above, I will ensure that the instrument of ratification of the Aarhus Convention is submitted to Government and laid before the Dáil as soon as possible.

Legislative Programme.

Catherine Byrne

Question:

167 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the Social Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill will be published; if it will provide for the tenant purchase of local authority flats and maisonettes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25929/07]

The Social Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, currently being drafted, is expected to be published in early 2008. Work on addressing the complex legal issues relating to the tenant purchase of local authority apartments and maisonettes is being advanced in that context.

Departmental Expenditure.

Tom Hayes

Question:

168 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the full Budget 2007 allocation has been allocated to a group (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [25932/07]

Subhead E of my Department's vote provides for the Exchequer grant to the fisheries boards and the Foyle Carlingford Irish Lights Commission (Loughs Agency). The 2007 funding provision published in the Revised Estimates Volume, along with additional resources subsequently secured from within the Department's vote, has been fully allocated and will be paid in accordance with agreed profiles. Excluding the Loughs Agency's share, the allocation of the balance is determined by agreement among the fisheries boards. The remainder of the allocation will be paid to the Board referred to by the Deputy according to the agreed monthly profile in November and December.

Housing Grants.

Michael Creed

Question:

169 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on extending the greener home scheme to include log stoves, boilers and gasifiers. [25869/07]

The Greener Homes Scheme provides support to homeowners to invest in a range of renewable energy heating technologies including biomass boilers and stoves, heat pumps and solar technology. Biomass in this context refers to wood pellets technology.

One of the main drivers of the Greener Homes Scheme is to demonstrate to the consumer that wood fuels are a realistic alternative to oil and gas in terms of convenience and comfort. To this end it has focused to date on ‘processed' fuels that can be fed automatically and not require regular user attendance.

I am keeping the Greener Homes Scheme under regular review including the scope for encompassing other heating technologies based on advice from Sustainable Energy Ireland.

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