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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Dec 2007

Vol. 642 No. 6

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 9, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 10 to 56, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 57 to 65, inclusive, answered orally.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

66 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will provide a progress report on the welfare reforms proposed under the Programme for Government for carers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32272/07]

Paul Connaughton

Question:

69 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the introduction of a payment for full time carers linked to a labour market equivalent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32256/07]

Richard Bruton

Question:

72 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will carry out a review of the way in which the criteria for the means test for the carer’s allowance is applied; his views on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32255/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 66, 69 and 72 together.

Supporting and recognising carers in our society is, and has been, a priority of the Government since 1997. Over that period, weekly payment rates to carers have greatly increased, qualifying conditions for carer's allowance have significantly eased, coverage of the scheme has been extended and new schemes such as carer's benefit and the respite care grant have been introduced and extended.

Carer's allowance, in line with other social assistance schemes, is means tested. This ensures scarce resources are directed at those in greatest need. The carer's allowance means test is one of the more flexible tests in terms of the assessment of household incomes. The means test has been significantly eased over the years, most notably with regard to spouse's earnings. Budget 2007 provided for an income disregard for a couple of €640 per week. This ensures a couple can earn in the region of €36,000 per annum and still receive the maximum rate of carer's allowance and the associated free travel and household benefits. This measure surpasses the Towards 2016 commitment to ensure those on average industrial earnings continue to qualify for a full carer's allowance.

Recently, significant reforms came into force, which allow people in receipt of certain other social welfare payments, who are also providing full time care and attention, to retain their main welfare payment and receive another payment, depending on their means. The maximum payment will be the equivalent of a half rate carer's allowance.

The primary objective of the carer's allowance is to provide income support to low income carers. Carer's benefit, eligibility for which is based on social insurance contributions, is available as an alternative to carer's allowance for people who are providing someone with full time care and attention but who do not qualify for carer's allowance due to the level of their means. These are income support payments and they are not intended to provide people with a wage for caring which is what a payment along the lines proposed would effectively represent.

In June 2005, the respite care grant was extended to all people providing full time care and attention regardless of their means or social insurance contributions. Since then, the grant has also been paid in respect of each care recipient. Budget 2007 increased the level of the grant by €300 from €1,200 to €1,500 per year in respect of each care recipient.

One of the key Government commitments in the national partnership agreement "Towards 2016" is the development of a national carer's strategy and this commitment is reiterated in the Programme for Government. The strategy will focus on supporting informal and family carers in the community. While social welfare supports for carers will clearly be a key issue in the strategy, other issues such as access to respite and other services, education, training and employment will also feature strongly. All relevant departments and agencies will be involved in the strategy and there will be appropriate consultation with the social partners. An inter-Departmental working group, chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach, is being established to develop the strategy and I expect it to be completed by summer of 2008.

The recent improvements in the income supports available from this Department represent major improvements in the supports available to carers. The development of a national carer's strategy provides us with an opportunity to build further on these improvements and to consider other areas where progress can be made.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

67 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the measures in place to ensure that all families entitled to receive family income supplement are receiving it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32280/07]

The Family Income Supplement (FIS) provides income support for employees on low earnings with families. This preserves the incentive to remain in employment in circumstances where the employee might only be marginally better off than if he or she were claiming other social welfare payments. There are currently some 21,000 people in receipt of FIS.

My Department undertakes a number of measures to ensure that people are aware of possible entitlement to FIS. These include advice to all persons who are awarded one parent family payment and back to work allowance recipients. All employers are provided annually with information about the scheme. Information on FIS is contained in all child benefit books and can be accessed on the Department's website.

The Revenue Commissioners have also included information on FIS when writing to PAYE taxpayers with their certificates of tax credits. In addition, the scheme is promoted through my Department's network of Local Offices, Citizen Information Centres and Citizens Information Phone Service and by the Citizen's Information Board, the National Information Support Agency.

In Budget 2006, FIS income thresholds were increased by a range of earnings limits designed to enable more people to qualify. To ensure that families were made aware of these improvements, my Department undertook a nationwide awareness campaign in March 2006 to promote and encourage take up of the Family Income Supplement scheme. This extensive week-long campaign included advertising on TV, on national and local radio and in the national and regional press. A nation-wide poster campaign was also undertaken.

I am very pleased with the response to the campaign. In 2006 my Department received 13,700 new FIS claims; this compares with 8,500 received in 2005. 11,000 new claims have been received up to end of October this year compared with 7,000 for the corresponding period in 2005.

With regard to the level of take up, it is not possible to estimate from administrative sources the number of families who would be eligible but do not apply for their FIS entitlements. In order to address the issue of FIS take up my department has commissioned a research project to examine factors behind the level of take up for the scheme. This is at preparatory stage at present and is expected to be completed in July 2008.

Pension Provisions.

Jack Wall

Question:

68 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his policy in relation to relaxing or abolishing the means test for qualified adults on contributory pensions. [32193/07]

All contributory payments include, where appropriate, an increase for a dependent spouse or partner. This increase is means-tested with a full increase payable where a spouse's income is less than €100 per week, and reduced rates payable until income exceeds €280 per week. Unlike the means test for non-contributory payments, a household means test does not apply, i.e. a decision is made on the basis of the income enjoyed by the qualified adult only. However, where capital or property (other than the family home) is jointly owned, then the qualified adult will be assessed with 50% of any actual/notional income or capital value deriving from that asset.

As set out in the Agreed Programme for Government, the policy in relation to the means testing of qualified adult payments is to increase the income limits that apply in the means test so that more people will qualify for the allowance. These limits are kept under review in a budgetary context.

The issue of means testing qualified adult payments for pensions is discussed in the Green Paper on Pensions, published on 17 October, although this is an issue which cannot be looked at exclusively in a pensions context, as it applies to all social welfare payments; the consultation process on pensions will provide information which will impact on the future status of qualified adults in the context of social welfare.

Question No. 69 answered with QuestionNo. 66.

Personal Indebtedness.

Shane McEntee

Question:

70 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the proposals for reform of the Money Advice and Budgeting Services as outlined in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32287/07]

Joe Costello

Question:

95 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when the promised new legislation to place the Money Advice and Budgeting Service on a statutory basis will be published; the principal areas in which it will differ from the bill published in 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32180/07]

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

125 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the action he is taking to combat the prevalence of debt among lone parents and large families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32188/07]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

135 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if there is yearly statistical data on the number of people seeking advice from the Money Advice and Budgeting Service; and if the number of house repossessions in recent times has coincided with an increase in the number of people asking for help from the service. [32307/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 70, 95, 125 and 135 together.

The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) is the main Government funded service which provides assistance to people who are over-indebted and need help and advice in coping with debt problems. There are 53 independent companies nationwide with over 240 money advice staff operating the service. Many voluntary and statutory bodies, such as the Society of St Vincent de Paul and the credit unions, work closely with the programme.

Last year, MABS provided services to almost 12,500 new clients throughout the country. To date, in 2007, some 11,500 new clients have approached the service. The number of active cases is 19,200. In 2006, €16.4 million was provided to fund the service and in 2007 the annual allocation was increased to €17.67 million to assist the MABS in dealing with its workload.

Statistics show that 22% of new clients that approach the MABS are lone parents with children and a further 16% are married with children. People with mortgages make up 21% of the MABS clients but there is no statistical data on the number of clients that seek the support of MABS because of house repossessions.

The issues that give rise to problems of over-indebtedness for people are highly complex. Research shows that lack of information about money management can be a contributory factor in many cases. The cost and availability of credit for people on low incomes and the barriers they face in accessing mainstream and cheap forms of credit add to the difficulties people encounter in managing their finances.

MABS is making a unique and expert contribution to meeting the needs of people with debt difficulties in today's society. This includes promoting greater awareness about household budgeting and shaping the strategies that need to be put in place, including those of services providers, such as the banks and the credit unions, to ensure greater financial inclusion in Ireland.

The proposals I am developing for a new structure for the MABS will include initiatives in these areas to improve the situation of people on low incomes in securing access to affordable credit.

In line with the Programme for Government, my proposals will build on the best features of the MABS model of service to the public. They will take account of the considerable changes that have taken place in the corporate governance environment since the 2002 MABS Bill. My objective is to ensure a high quality, coordinated budgeting and advice service that represents value for money for the taxpayer's investment and is geared to meet the challenges posed by the changing face of debt in Ireland.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

71 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will increase the fuel allowance from €18 per week by at least €7 per week to reflect the spiralling cost of fuel. [32305/07]

John Perry

Question:

140 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if there are proposals to change the fuel allowance in order to reflect the true and actual cost of fuel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32263/07]

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

146 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress on the commitment made in the Programme for Government to extend the national fuel allowance scheme to cover eligible carers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32177/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 71, 140 and 146 together.

The national fuel allowance scheme assists householders on long-term social welfare or health service executive (HSE) payments with meeting the cost of their heating needs during the winter season. Fuel allowances are paid for 29 weeks from end-September to mid-April. The allowance represents a contribution towards a person's normal heating expenses. It is not intended to meet those costs in full.

Improvements to the fuel allowance in recent years include an easing of the means test, extending the duration of payment from 26 to 29 weeks and an increase in the rates of payment. In Budget 2007, the rate of fuel allowance was increased by €4 from €14 to €18 (€21.90 in designated smokeless areas). The income threshold for eligibility to fuel allowance was also increased by €49 from €51 to €100 above the state pension (contributory). Fuel allowances are incorporated in the recipient's weekly social welfare payment. The Government's objective is to ensure that the recipient's total weekly income, including the fuel allowance, is sufficient to meet all of their income needs, including heating costs.

Budget resources are concentrated on providing significant real increases over and above inflation each year in all primary social welfare pension, benefit and assistance rates.

Social welfare rates have increased at a significantly greater rate than price inflation in recent years, which has assisted social welfare households to achieve some increase in their quality of life and in their ability to meet the cost of items such as fuel. For example, social welfare payment rates have increased by between 61% and 77% since December 2001, while the cost of living as measured by the consumer price index rose by 23% in that time.

Some 274,000 people benefited from the fuel allowance in 2006 at a cost of some €125m. As a consequence of the increase in rate and the increase in the income threshold for eligibility as announced in Budget 2007, it is estimated that some 286,200 households will benefit under the scheme at a cost of €161.5m this year.

The extension of the national fuel scheme to eligible carers, as set out in the Agreed Programme for Government, will be examined by my Department in the context of the overall package of commitments relating to carers contained in the programme. Any additional costs arising from this or any other improvements to the scheme would also need to be considered in future Budgetary measures having regard to overall resources available for social welfare schemes generally.

Question No. 72 answered with QuestionNo. 66.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

73 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the payments not currently on a statutory basis that he will put on a statutory basis. [32176/07]

A number of non-statutory schemes are operated by my Department. These include:

the household benefits package, which includes the electricity/gas allowance, the telephone rental allowance and the free television licence;

the free travel scheme;

the back to work allowance, which includes the back to work enterprise allowance;

the back to education allowance;

the national fuel scheme, including the smokeless fuel allowance;

the back to school clothing and footwear scheme;

the school meals scheme and

the part-time job-incentive scheme.

One advantage of operating on a non-statutory basis is that it allows for flexibility in these schemes so that they can be modified in response to customer needs without the need for legislative change. For example, in September 2006, peak time restrictions were removed from the free travel scheme.

Non-statutory schemes decisions are based on published guidelines setting out the conditions of entitlement in detail.

There are currently no plans to place the non-statutory schemes on a statutory basis. However, as is the case with social welfare schemes in general, proposals for change are kept under review.

Social Welfare Code.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

74 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the degree of progress for the completion of his Department’s technical review of the social welfare code to examine its compatibility with the Equal Status Act 2000; the cost of the project to date; the reason this review is being handled in part by parties outside his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32204/07]

The review of the social welfare code to examine its compatibility with the Equal Status Act, 2000 (as amended), which is currently being undertaken in my Department, will examine all the schemes and services provided for both in social welfare legislation and the administrative schemes operated by the Department. It will identify any instances of direct or indirect discrimination, on any of the nine grounds under the Act that are not justified by a legitimate social policy objective or where the means of achieving that objective are either unnecessary or inappropriate.

A decision was taken in my Department that the review would take place in two phases. Phase 1 involved the undertaking of a scoping exercise to establish the most appropriate approach and methodology to carrying out the main review, which would be robust and verifiable. Following a tendering process, the contract for carrying out Phase 1 of the project was awarded in February 2006 to Mel Cousins and Professor Gerry Whyte of Trinity College. That work was completed in September 2006. The results of Phase 1 have formed the basis of the terms of reference of the main review.

Following discussion by the Project Board for the review and the Department's Management Committee, a decision was made that the carrying out the main review should be put out to tender. This decision was taken on the basis of the comprehensive nature of the review and the significant time resources and the legal knowledge necessary to carry out the review in addition to a comprehensive knowledge of the social welfare system.

The request for tender document issued on 17 April 2007, having been examined and cleared for issuing by the Office of the Attorney General. It was placed on the Government's e-tender website and in the Official Journal of the EU.

Consultants Mel Cousins and Professor Gerry Whyte and associates were appointed to carry out the review and a contact was signed on 18 July 2007. The work commenced in October 2007. It is due to be completed at the end of 2008.

An advertisement was placed in the national and regional newspapers on the week commencing 19 November 2007 inviting submissions from interested organisations and individuals as to any areas in which they feel that the social welfare code may not comply with the principles of the Equal Status Acts. Information regarding the review and inviting submissions has also been placed on the Department's website.

The cost of Phase 1 of the project was €32,800 (exclusive of VAT). Phase 2 of the project will cost €203,500 (exclusive of VAT).

Social Welfare Benefits.

Bernard Allen

Question:

75 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people in receipt of qualified adult allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32261/07]

The number of people in receipt of qualified adult allowance at the end of September 2007 was almost 120,300.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

76 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on whether the living alone allowance is sufficient to cover additional living alone costs especially in rural areas where individuals must either have their own car or pay for expensive taxis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32299/07]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

141 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he has plans to increase the living alone allowance for the elderly, an allowance which has not been increased from €7.70 since its introduction in 1996. [32304/07]

Jack Wall

Question:

147 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when he proposes to raise the rate of the living alone allowance; if it is Government policy to retain the payment at the current level indefinitely; his policy in relation to the future development of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32200/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 76, 141 and 147 together.

The living alone increase is an additional payment of €7.70 per week made to people aged 66 years or over who are in receipt of certain social welfare payments and who are living alone. It is also available to people who are under 66 years of age who are living alone and receiving payments under one of a number of invalidity type schemes.

The increase is intended as a contribution towards the additional costs people face when they live alone. It is not intended to cover transport costs which are addressed under the free travel scheme which provides free travel on the main public and private transport services for those eligible under the scheme.

The issue of access to public transport in rural areas is being addressed at present through the Rural Transport Initiative, which is being managed by Pobal, formerly Area Development Management (ADM) on behalf of my colleague the Minister for Transport. My Department contributed €500,000 to the initiative in 2004, €750,000 in 2005, €850,000 in 2006, and will contribute €1.5 million in 2007 to ensure that free travel passholders continue to have access to community based transport services.

The policy in relation to support for pensioners has been, for many years, to give priority to increasing the personal rates of pension rather than supplements like the living alone increase. The objective is to use resources to improve the position of all pensioners to the fullest extent possible rather than focusing on particular groups. This approach was continued in Budget 2007 with increases of up to €16 and €18 per week granted on personal rates.

The needs of older people have been, and will remain, a priority for the Government. Further reforms and improvements will be considered in the context of the Green Paper on Pensions, published on the 17th October. A major consultation process in relation to future pensions policy is now underway. Following the completion of the consultation process, the Government will develop a framework for future pensions policy.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

77 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on removing restrictions imposed on disability benefit recipients who have re-trained and may be able to take up alternative employment; if there are proposals in place to change this restriction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32271/07]

Illness Benefit (formerly know as Disability Benefit) is an income support payment for people of working age who are unable to work due to illness and who satisfy certain social insurance conditions. Because inability to work due to illness is a condition of receipt of the payment, it is also a requirement of the scheme that the recipient does not engage in employment while in receipt of Illness Benefit.

However, where it is the case that the recipient wishes to pursue a different category of employment than that which was pursued prior to the onset of illness, the Department does not impose restrictions on the recipient and instead allows for an exemption from the general rule that the person must not be in employment. These exemptions, which typically last for 12 months, will normally take the form of employment which is deemed by the Department to be both part-time and rehabilitative in nature, or alternatively a community employment scheme or a training course arranged by FÁS. An application for such an exemption must be made to the Department in advance of the employment or training course beginning.

This exemption from the general rules of behaviour was introduced in order to allow recipients to engage in training or part time, rehabilitative employment which would increase the opportunity for them to return to the open labour market. However, the Department accepts that, in some cases, where a claimant has returned to the labour market they may find that the employment is unsuitable and that they are unable to continue with it. For situations such as these, I recently made a change to the legislation to ensure that, for a period of 26 weeks following their return to employment, if the person finds they are unable to continue in employment they will be allowed return to illness benefit without the need to re-apply or serve additional waiting days. In this way, illness benefit recipients are encouraged rather than restricted in finding alternative employment in the labour market.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

78 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason for the delay in publishing reform proposals for carers; when he proposes to introduce legislation in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32178/07]

David Stanton

Question:

127 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the status of the National Carers Strategy as promised in Towards 2016; the role of his Department in same; if the discussion with the social partners has been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29714/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 78 and 127 together.

Supporting and recognising carers in our society is, and has been, a priority of the Government since 1997. Over that period, weekly payment rates to carers have been greatly increased, qualifying conditions for carer's allowance have been significantly eased, coverage of the scheme has been extended and new schemes such as carer's benefit and the respite care grant have been introduced and extended.

Recent reforms of the scheme allow people in receipt of certain other social welfare payments, who are also providing full time care and attention to a person, to retain their main welfare payment and receive another payment, depending on their means. The maximum payment will be the equivalent of a half rate carer's allowance.

One of the key Government commitments in the national partnership agreement "Towards 2016" is the development of a national carer's strategy and this commitment is reiterated in the Programme for Government.

I am aware that one of the recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social and Family Affairs "Report on the Position of Full Time Carers" which was published in 2003 was that such a strategy should be developed. I am pleased that we are now in a position to act on that recommendation.

The strategy will focus on supporting informal and family carers in the community. While social welfare supports for carers will clearly be a key issue in the strategy, other issues such as access to respite and other services, education, training and employment will also feature strongly. Co-operation between relevant Government departments and agencies is essential if the provision of services, supports and entitlements for carers is to be fully addressed. For that reason all relevant departments and agencies will be involved in the strategy and there will be appropriate consultation with the social partners.

My officials have been in discussions with their colleagues in other relevant Departments in order to decide on the best approach to the development of the strategy. In view of the need to ensure that appropriate arrangements and structures are in place to support its development, it will not be possible to complete the strategy by the end of this year as had been intended originally.

An inter-Departmental working group, chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach, will be established in the coming weeks to draw up the strategy and to manage the consultation process. I expect it to be completed by summer of 2008. The recent improvements in the income supports available from this Department represent major improvements in supports available to carers in the community. The development of a national carer's strategy provides us with an opportunity to build further on these improvements and to consider other areas where progress can be made.

Anti-Poverty Strategy.

Billy Timmins

Question:

79 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will provide a progress report on the welfare reforms proposed under the Programme for Government for lone parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32273/07]

Sean Sherlock

Question:

83 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way he will address the poverty traps identified in proposals for supporting lone parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32185/07]

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

133 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason for the delay in bringing forward legislation to deal with reforms proposed in proposals for supporting lone parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32183/07]

Paul Connaughton

Question:

144 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if there are proposals in place to examine and target the reduction of poverty rates amongst one parent families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32268/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 79, 83, 133 and 144 together.

The publication this week of the EU Survey on Income and Living Conditions figures for 2006 shows an increase in the numbers of lone parents living in consistent poverty. This increase is despite large recent increases by the Government in the upper earnings limit for entitlement to the one parent family payment and increases to the weekly rate of payment. It is clear that for these lone parents and others on low income, social assistance alone does not provide a long term answer to combat the risk of poverty and that financial independence can only be achieved through improved education and training supports leading to quality, sustainable employment.

That is why the Government discussion paper, "Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents," put forward proposals for services for lone parents including the expanded availability and range of education and training opportunities; the extension of the National Employment Action Plan; focused provision of childcare; improved information services and the introduction of a new social assistance payment for low income families with young children.

As I have recently reported to the House, the development of any new scheme to support low income parents can only be introduced when the necessary co-ordinated supports and services are put in place on the ground by other Departments and Agencies.

This is why the non-income recommendations contained in the discussion paper are currently being tested in two areas: Coolock and Kilkenny. These tests are focused on identifying and resolving any practical and administrative issues that may arise in advance of the scheme being introduced. The tests are scheduled to run until the end of the year, with a report then being made to the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion. The tests will allow for operational and logistical co-ordination between the relevant Departments and Agencies to be considered and will facilitate the development of the policy and operational details of the new scheme and accompanying supports.

Issues in relation to the possible poverty traps outlined in the discussion paper are currently being considered in my Department. Although the exact terms of the new payment have not been finalised, the key to any new payment is to ensure that the necessary financial supports are in place to assist families towards improved employment prospects and that all disincentives to work are kept to a minimum.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

80 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will change the amount of hours a carer is permitted to work per week and be eligible for the carers allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32257/07]

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

84 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on permitting carers on the back to work allowance to claim the half rate of carers allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32258/07]

Joe Costello

Question:

86 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his proposals to extend carer payments to persons in part-time or slightly removed care situations. [32179/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 80, 84 and 86 together.

Supporting and recognising carers in our society is, and has been, a priority of the Government since 1997. Over that period, weekly payment rates to carers have been greatly increased, qualifying conditions for carer's allowance have been significantly eased, coverage of the scheme has been extended and new schemes such as carer's benefit and the respite care grant have been introduced and extended.

One of the fundamental qualifying conditions for carer's allowance, carer's benefit and the respite care grant is that the person be providing full-time care and attention to a person who needs such care. The number of hours a person may engage in employment, self employment, training or education outside the home and still be considered to be providing full-time care and attention for the purposes of the schemes was increased from 10 to 15 hours per week in June 2006.

In September 2007, significant reforms came into force whereby people in receipt of certain social welfare payments other than carer's allowance or benefit, who are providing someone with full time care and attention, can retain their main payment and receive another payment, depending on their means, the maximum of which will be equivalent to a half rate carer's allowance.

These new arrangements apply to people receiving weekly social welfare payments (other than recipients of jobseeker's allowance or benefit, back to work allowance or those signing for jobseekers credits) and people in receipt of a qualified adult allowance. This is in line with the arrangements which have applied to receipt of the respite care grant since its extension in 2005.

In order to qualify for payment under these new arrangements, people must satisfy the qualifying conditions for carer's allowance, including the full time care and attention requirement. Recipients of back to work allowance must engage in a minimum of 20 hours work per week and so they do not satisfy the full time care and attention requirement for carer's allowance.

In 2005, the carer's allowance scheme was extended to accommodate care-sharing situations. Under these arrangements, it is possible for week-on week-off care sharing arrangements to be facilitated. This means that where two carers are providing care to the same person on alternate weeks the carer's allowance and the annual respite care grant can be split between them.

I will keep the supports for carers available from my Department under review in order to continue to improve the schemes and ensure that commitments in relation to income support are delivered.

Social Insurance.

P. J. Sheehan

Question:

81 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the proposed reforms for the coverage of farm spouses as outlined in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32288/07]

The Programme for Government states that ‘The role and economic contribution of spouses working on the farm will be better recognised within the social insurance system, following on from Budget 2007 which allowed recipients of Farm Assist to make PRSI contributions for the first time'.

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 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, do not generally pay PRSI contributions. There are, however, three situations where spouses may pay contributions.

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.

In the situation 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.

While there are no plans to alter these provisions, 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.

It should also be noted that 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.

Housing Aid for the Elderly.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

82 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on establishing a payment to assist older people in the maintenance of their homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32182/07]

The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has introduced a revised scheme of grant aid to assist older people in carrying out essential repairs and improvements to their homes. This is the main mechanism for assisting older people maintain their home. The new scheme, which will be administered by the local authorities, will provide grant aid of up to €10,500 to cover works such as structural repairs, replacement of windows and doors, re-wiring, dry-lining, installation of central heating, water and sanitary services, cleaning and painting. The scheme will be funded by 80% contribution by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government with the remaining 20% being funded from local authorities own resources.

In view of this I have no plans for the establishment of a payment to assist older people in the maintenance of their homes.

Question No. 83 answered with QuestionNo. 79.
Question No. 84 answered with QuestionNo. 80.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Dan Neville

Question:

85 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if there are measures in place within the social welfare system for the tapered removal of social welfare benefits; if not, if such a measure is being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32283/07]

I am assuming that the Deputy is referring to the position of people in receipt of social welfare payments who are in the process of taking up employment.

My department already provides a number of incentives to ease the transition from welfare to work. For example, the back to work allowance scheme is part of my Department's programme of initiatives designed to assist long term unemployed people, lone parents and other social welfare recipients to return to the active labour force. The allowance provides a monetary incentive designed to make return to work financially attractive and viable.

There are two strands associated with the scheme — back to work enterprise allowance (BTWEA) for the self-employed and back to work allowance (BTWA) for employees. Under the BTEA the self employed person continues to receive 100% of their primary social welfare payment in year one, 75% in year two, 50% in year three, and 25% in year four. In the case of employees who qualify for BTWA, participants receive 75% of their primary social welfare payment in year one, 50% in year two, and 25% in year three. Participants also retain entitlement to certain other secondary benefits.

In the case of the one parent family payment scheme a single parent, in receipt of one parent family payment (OPFP) , may earn up to €146.50 per week and still qualify for the maximum rate of payment. A reduced rate of OPFP may also apply where the person has earnings between €146.50 and €400.00. Where earnings exceed €400 per week, the single parent will continue to receive OPFP at 50% of their appropriate for a period of 26 weeks provided they continue to satisfy all of the other conditions of the scheme and immediate prior to moving to the 50% rate they were in receipt of OPFP for a period of not less than 52 weeks.

Budget 2007 provided for improvements in the rent supplement scheme whereby a person in receipt of rent supplement, who was accepted as suitable for accommodation under the rental accommodation scheme, may engage in full-time employment and continue to receive a supplement subject to satisfying the standard means test. These provisions along with other measures I have outlined are directed at removing obstacles to employment and facilitating the transition to work for those who are long term dependant on the social welfare system.

Question No. 86 answered with QuestionNo. 80.

Anti-Poverty Strategy.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

87 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress on each of the three reviews of the Combat Poverty Agency that are currently underway; and the action he will take on foot of these reviews. [32202/07]

The reviews, in relation to the work of the Combat Poverty Agency, are at different stages of progression.

The review of the Agency's Research Programme, initiated in May 2007 by the Agency and the Office for Social Inclusion of my Department, is being carried out by Goodbody Economic Consultants. It will inter alia:

Assess the activities, output and outcomes of the research programme;

Review the programme's contribution to research on poverty;

Benchmark the Agency's research programme against best practice in the design and implementation of similar social research programmes in Ireland and internationally; and

Advise on the future direction of the research programme, particularly with regard to the most effective allocation and optimum use of research resources, both within the Agency and in collaboration with other organisations.

A steering committee comprising representatives of the Combat Poverty Agency, the Office for Social Inclusion, relevant Government Departments, and Goodbody Economic Consultants is overseeing the work. The Review is nearing completion and will be made available to the Board and to my Department before the end of 2007.

In line with a commitment in Towards 2016, a review of the Combat Poverty Agency's programmes that facilitate the participation of the community and voluntary sector and people experiencing poverty in the policy- making process has been in progress over the period 2006 and 2007. Some aspects of that review remain to be considered further before it is finalised.

The review of the Combat Poverty Agency, which the Government has decided will be undertaken by my Department, will commence shortly. It will form part of my Department's Value for Money and Policy Review Initiative programme for 2006-2008 and, when completed, will include recommendations on the future role and functions of the Agency in a changed environment.

Mr Niall Callan, formerly Secretary General of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has been appointed Chairperson of a Steering Committee comprising senior officials from my Department, other relevant Government departments and the Combat Poverty Agency, which has been established to oversee the task. It will hold its first meeting before the end of the year.

I expect that the review will be completed in mid 2008.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Willie Penrose

Question:

88 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the improvements he will make to rent supplement to taper withdrawal of the payment as recipients enter employment. [32190/07]

Pat Breen

Question:

94 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will provide a progress report on the welfare reforms proposed in the Programme for Government for the rent supplement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32276/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

111 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will review the eligibility guidelines for rent support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32313/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 88, 94 and 111 together.

The programme for Government includes commitments to reduce long-term reliance on rent supplement. This will be done mainly by keeping the standard means test for rent supplement under review to provide enhanced financial incentives for people taking up employment or other professional options and by providing long-term housing solutions under the rental accommodation scheme and otherwise.

Improvements in the means test were implemented in June. Where a person has additional income in excess of the standard weekly rate of supplementary welfare allowance, the first €75 of such additional income together with 25% of any additional income above €75 is disregarded for means assessment purposes. This ensures that those returning to work or participating in training schemes are better off as a result of taking up such an opportunity.

In addition, rent supplement may continue to be paid to a person who engages in full time employment, subject to their satisfying the improved means testing arrangements, as outlined above, and where they have been accepted as having a long term housing need under the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS).

I intend to keep the rent supplement scheme under review and my Department will be working closely with the Department of the Environment Heritage and Local Government in ensuring that RAS meets its objective of catering for those on long term rent supplementation while enabling rent supplement to return to its original role of a short-term income support.

Social Welfare Code.

Martin Ferris

Question:

89 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he has plans to eradicate the existing qualified adult status; and his views on whether it is a discriminatory and out of date method of making social welfare payments. [32303/07]

The social welfare system is designed to provide income supports and access to relevant services in a timely manner to all our customers. The system is neutral with regard to how it treats men and women; receipt of payment is generally dependent on contingency and other conditions being met. A person in receipt of a social welfare payment may claim an increase, known as a qualified adult allowance, in respect of his/her spouse or partner. Levels of payment and how they apply are exactly the same for men and women.

However, while there is equity in access to the system, the impact of past labour market experience and the traditional roles of women in the home and the labour market are still reflected in some features of the social welfare system. One such feature is the status of qualified adult, the majority of whom are women.

Significant changes have taken place in society in the past decades and the social welfare system has changed to reflect these changes, particularly to ensure that as many people as possible qualify for a social welfare payment in their own right. Considerable reform and expansion has taken place in the social insurance system to make it as inclusive as possible. This together with the increasing numbers of women entering employment has meant that more women are establishing their own entitlement to social insurance payments. In the case of State Pension Schemes the qualified adult increase is now paid directly to the qualified adult. The Programme for Government includes a commitment to provide a personal pension payment, set at the level of a full rate State pension (non-contributory), for pensioner spouses in receipt of the qualified adult increase.

The reform proposals outlined in the ‘Government Discussion Paper: Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents' further address this aspect of the social welfare system which impacts mainly on women. As well as abolishing the contingency of lone parenthood, another major aspect of the reform proposals is the departure from the concept of ‘qualified adult' within social assistance or means tested payment. Under these proposals, where a household means test is met, all individuals would claim for and receive a payment in their own right, thus ensuring consistency in treatment and equity across the social welfare system and recognising the changing role of women in society and the labour market. This would also mean that supports for education, training and employment would be offered to former qualified adults of working age, who are not currently engaged with.

These reform proposals would represent a fundamental change in the social welfare system, moving away from a derived entitlement to entitlement in the individual's own right. This aspect of the proposals together with the development of a new income support scheme for lone parents and other low income families and the non-income supports necessary to accompany such a payment are currently being examined and developed by my Department in co-operation with other relevant Departments and agencies.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

90 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reforms that will be made to the back to school clothing and footwear allowance scheme for 2007; and if he will commit to amending legislation to disregard income from carer’s allowance. [32186/07]

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

132 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will review or carry out research into the true cost of sending and maintaining a child in school with a view to increasing the back to school allowances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32265/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 132 together.

The back to school clothing and footwear allowance (BSCFA) scheme provides a one-off payment to eligible families to assist with the extra costs when their children start school each autumn. The allowance is not intended to meet the full cost of school clothing and footwear but only to provide assistance towards these costs.

A person may qualify for payment of an allowance if they are in receipt of a social welfare payment (including family income supplement), or Health Service Executive payment, are participating in an approved employment scheme or attending a recognised education and training course and have household income at or below certain set levels. Separately, the Department of Education and Science operates a book grant scheme for primary and secondary schools which is intended to contribute towards meeting the cost of books only.

The rates of BSCFA have been increased significantly in recent years. From June 2006, the allowance was increased by €40 to €120 in respect of qualified children aged from 2 to 11 years and €190 for those aged from 12 to 22 years. Budget 2006 also increased the income limits for BSCFA by €50 to €100 above the state pension (contributory) rate. All income is taken into account to ensure that households are treated equitably with eligibility based on the amount of income, not the source of the income. In Budget 2007, the rate of payment of BSCFA was increased by €60 per child for children aged 2 to 11 years old and €95 for children aged 12 to 22 — a 50% increase on the previous allowance. The rates for 2007 are €180 for children aged 2 to 11 years old and €285 for children aged 12 to 22. The annual expenditure on the scheme has increased to over €40m as a result of these measures.

These improvements in BSCFA are very significant when viewed in the context of clothing and footwear price trends. According to the Consumer Price Index for October 2007, the overall cost of clothing and footwear has fallen by 3.5% over the past twelve months. Since December 2001, clothing and footwear costs have decreased by 18.4%.

The primary objective of the carer's allowance is to provide income support to low income carers. Carer's allowance, in line with other social assistance schemes, is means tested. The carer's allowance means test is one of the more flexible tests in terms of the assessment of household incomes. The means test has been significantly eased over the years most notably with regard to spouse's earnings. Budget 2007 provided for an income disregard for a couple of €640 per week. This ensures a couple can earn in the region of €36,000 per annum and still receive the maximum rate of carer's allowance and the associated free travel and household benefits. This measure surpasses the Towards 2016 commitment to ensure those on average industrial earnings continue to qualify for a full carer's allowance.

I consider the back to school clothing and footwear allowance scheme to be an important support for parents at a time of particular financial strain. The improvements to the scheme in recent years have provided a major boost to meeting the financial costs associated with return to school for those who most need assistance.

The adequacy of back to school clothing and footwear allowance payments will be kept under review. Any changes to the structure of the scheme, rates of payment, income limits or amendments to the qualifying criteria would have cost implications and would have to be considered in a budgetary context and in the light of resources available for improvements in social welfare payments generally.

Dan Neville

Question:

91 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the welfare reforms outlined in the Programme for Government for free travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32282/07]

Emmet Stagg

Question:

121 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when he will extend free travel here to Irish citizens residing in the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32213/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 91 and 121 together.

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

The all-Ireland free travel scheme has been extended since 2nd April 2007. Under the new arrangements pensioners over the age of 66 and resident here can travel free of charge on all bus and rail services in Northern Ireland. Likewise, pensioners, aged over 65 in Northern Ireland can travel free of charge on transport services in this State. This extension of the scheme represents a significant expansion in travel opportunities for older people.

There have been a number of requests and enquiries in relation to the extension of entitlement to free travel in Ireland to Irish born people living outside the island of Ireland, or to those in receipt of pensions from my Department, particularly those living in the UK, when they return to Ireland for a visit.

Legal advice indicates that it would not be possible to extend entitlement to free travel simply to Irish born people living abroad as to do so would be contrary to European legislation which prohibits discrimination on the grounds of nationality. More recently, the European Commission has indicated that to extend the scheme to people in receipt of an Irish pension could also be considered discriminatory.

I will keep this issue under review in order to determine how best to advance our Programme for Government commitments.

Disability Strategy.

Damien English

Question:

92 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will provide a progress report on the proposed reforms for the disability sector as outlined in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32291/07]

The Programme for Government reiterates the Government's determination to prioritise the interests of people with disabilities over the course of the next five years through a series of significant measures in the social welfare, health, education, employment and environments areas.

My Department has a pivotal role in providing income support for people with disabilities who may not be in a position to provide for themselves. In 2006, spending on income support, to some 246,000 recipients of disability or caring related social welfare schemes, was in excess of €2.38 billion. In addition, people with disabilities may also benefit from other schemes such as state pensions.

My Department's Disability Sectoral Plan, published in 2006, in accordance with the provisions of the Disability Act 2005 and in line with the National Disability Strategy and Towards 2016, aims to develop services that not only give people with disabilities financial security but also encourage their maximum participation in society. The Department participates in interdepartmental co-ordinating and monitoring structures, including bi-annual meetings between senior officials and stakeholders as required under Towards 2016, in monitoring progress on its Sectoral Plan.

I, with the support of my Government colleagues, am committed to continuing to prioritise the needs of people with disabilities and their carers over the term of this Government. The Agreed Programme for Government reiterates that the National Disability Strategy will be driven and managed from a whole of Government perspective and will be overseen and supported by the Department of the Taoiseach.

The commitments relevant to my Department, contained in the Programme, including those relating to people with disabilities, are currently being considered in the context of the Department's new Statement of Strategy 2008-2010 which is being finalised and which will be published in early 2008. Progress on these commitments will be reported on in my Department's annual reports.

Data Protection.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

93 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of client data sets held by his Department or his Department’s agencies; the security measures in place to protect such data; the level of training provided to staff; when policy procedures were last updated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32172/07]

The Department administers some fifty separate schemes and makes payments to one million people each week. It relies on other agencies in carrying out some of its business, for example An Post for payments, and the Revenue Commissioners for the collection of PRSI contributions. Information is also provided to other agencies such as the CSO and Health agencies, for various purposes, in accordance with legislation. The nature and volume of its business means that it is heavily dependent on Information Communications Technology (ICT) facilities to carry out the bulk of its business and it has responsibility for a significant amount of data. The Department is fully aware of its obligation to safeguard the security of this data and employs a wide range of measures to protect the confidentiality, availability and integrity of information. Every effort is made to ensure that business is conducted in a secure way by security-conscious staff.

The Department maintains a central repository of client information. This information is stored on the Department's Central Records system that holds a record, or data set, in respect of each customer. The information maintained can be broadly categorised into customer identity, PRSI contribution history and summary claim activity information. There are some 6.8 million data sets on this database in respect of current and previous customers. More detailed data relating to particular transactions in relation to these customers are held separately on scheme payment systems.

The data is generated by Departmental staff or agents entering information onto its internal computer systems and also by receipt of data from external agencies (e.g. the GRO for births). Staff and agents who need access to this data to carry out their duties are granted access in accordance with departmental policies and procedures, including the use of password protection and personal accounts. The data is made available over a secure network through bespoke application interfaces. These interfaces control the level and type of access an approved member of staff can have to the data. Authorisation to use an application is subject to a business case approved by local management. All changes made to a client data set are logged and subject to on-going audit.

All electronic data is stored in a secure computer room in the Department's primary computer site. The site itself has rigorous control procedures and site perimeter protection. There are arrangements in place for inter-site backup of data.

Security arrangements are in place to cover the necessary transfer of data to other agencies for service delivery purposes. Backup arrangements for these include encryption.

Over the last number of years, the Department has strengthened security and data protection protocols. Staff are regularly reminded of their obligations under data protection and security policies and the penalties applied to any breach.

A dedicated unit has been established to oversee business information protection across the Department and has developed and communicated policies and procedures covering the use of systems and data. These policies and procedures are under continuous review and are updated as appropriate. The most recent policy update took place in June 2007, with the publication of a corporate Information Security Policy.

Over the past few years, the Department has undertaken a number of information security projects and has established internal structures to implement its policies.

A High-Level Group has been established within the Department to review access management and control. The primary focus of the Group is to formulate the Department's policy on access to data and to initiate a further work programme to address the issues involved.

Question No. 94 answered with QuestionNo. 88.
Question No. 95 answered with QuestionNo. 70.

Social Welfare Contract.

Liz McManus

Question:

96 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the tendering process and timetable with regard to the social welfare contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28971/07]

In 1992, my Department and An Post entered into a five year contract for the delivery of social welfare payments. This contract was renewed in 1997 for a further three years to the end of 1999. The Government's decision in 1999, to extend the Department's contractual arrangements with An Post, gave rise to a procurement complaint being lodged with the European Commission in 2000. The complaint was subsequently referred to the European Court of Justice by the European Commission.

On the 13th November 2007 the European Court of Justice ruled that " in entrusting the provision of social benefit payment services to An Post without undertaking any prior advertising, Ireland has not failed to fulfil its obligations under Articles 43 EC and 49 EC and the general principles of Community law in connection with a contract for the supply of such services".

The Department is studying the judgement and its implications for the current arrangements with An Post and the delivery of payment services.

An Post and the Department of Social and Family Affairs have been partners in the delivery of social welfare payments since the foundation of the State. I am confident that An Post and its network of local post offices will continue to deliver social welfare payments in the future.

Family Support Services.

Enda Kenny

Question:

97 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will provide a progress report on the welfare reforms outlined in the Programme for Government for family support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32277/07]

I understand that the Deputy is seeking information on the commitment outlined in the programme for Government to continue to fully resource the Family Support Agency and its programmes.

The Family Support Agency was established on 6 May 2003 by the Minister for Social and Family Affairs and brings together programmes and services to support families introduced by the Government in recent years. Its mission is to promote family and community well being through the provision of appropriate supports and services to families.

The Family Support Agency is responsible for over €35million of Government funding to support families in 2007. This represents an increase of 25% in funding year-on-year and is more than 40% up on the funding allocated for 2004.

The Agency itself is going from strength to strength. It achieved the target set in the last National Development Programme with the achievement of 100 family resource centres around the country. Indeed, the NDP for 2007-2012 will see a further expansion of the Family Resource Centre programme.

The Agency is also responsible for the provision of grant aid to voluntary organisations providing marriage, child and bereavement counselling and supports. For 2007, almost €10 million was provided by the Family Support Agency and a total of 561 organisations countrywide received funding under the scheme. This record investment — an increase of one third in just 4 years — has been informed by research launched earlier this year which indicated that up to 70,000 people across the country benefit each year from counselling funded by the Family Support Agency.

The Family Support Agency has also overseen the expansion of the national Family Mediation service which now has 16 centres nationally and assists over 1,500 couples each year.

I am committed to further supporting the excellent work of the Family Support Agency and I am confident that the Agency will continue to have the resources to further expand its services to the benefit of families across Ireland.

Pension Provisions.

Liz McManus

Question:

98 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps he will take to ensure that all pensioners on integrated pensions benefit from increases in the State pension. [32192/07]

An integrated occupational pension scheme is one where the pension payable, or the design of the benefit promise made, takes into account the state pension (contributory) or other similar contributory benefits payable by the State. Integrating occupational and social welfare pensions is a common practice and most defined benefit or final salary schemes are structured in this way. The practice is not generally subject to legislation but derives from the rules of individual pension schemes.

The manner in which integration operates can vary and depends on the rules of individual schemes. However, in a typical private sector scheme guaranteeing a total pension of two thirds of final income, salary is reduced by one and a half times the state pension payment to arrive at pensionable salary. When the pension is paid, the combination of the occupational scheme and the state pension will provide the overall target of two thirds of final salary.

Under the provisions of the Pensions Act 1990, integration may only take place at the point when a pension is first paid. Legislation does not permit reductions to be made to occupational pensions in payment to take account of subsequent increases in the state pension. The legislation also provides for a minimum level of benefit to be paid from an occupational scheme based on the total contributions made by the employee to that scheme.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

99 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his intentions in relation to the awarding of credits to home-makers and other carers for years spent on caring duties in place of the system of disregarding these years when computing average credit history; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32198/07]

Denis Naughten

Question:

102 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps he will take to facilitate women, forced out of employment due to the marriage rule, to avail of contributory pensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28619/07]

Denis Naughten

Question:

116 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the plans he has to extend the home carers PRSI credit to a date prior to 1994; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24833/07]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

391 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will revise the qualification guidelines for receipt of insurance based payments where the claimant has spent a specific period caring for a relative or neighbour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32560/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 99, 102, 116 and 391 together.

The Government is anxious to ensure that as many people as possible can be accommodated within the social welfare pensions system, with due regard being paid to the contributory principle underlying entitlement to contributory payments and, in the case of non-contributory payments, the need to ensure that resources are directed to those who are most in need. In this regard, over the last 10 years, means tests have been improved and qualifying conditions for contributory payments made easier.

As the House is aware, I published the Green Paper on Pensions on 17th October which addresses the issue of women who had to resign due to the marriage bar or who were caring for children or incapacitated adults before the introduction of the homemakers scheme in 1994. The Green Paper sets out a range of approaches that could be considered to deal with these issues, including universal pensions, replacing the homemakers disregard system with credits and back-dating the homemakers scheme.

A consultation process on the Green Paper is now underway and will remain open until mid 2008. The Government will respond to the process by publishing a framework for future pensions policy and I expect it to be available towards the end of next year. Decisions in relation to those who are not at present receiving support through the social welfare system, including those who had to leave employment on marriage, will be considered in that context.

Social Welfare Code.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

100 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on maintaining the disability allowance at 30% of the average industrial wage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32269/07]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

122 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on increasing the limits for earned income for those on disability allowance; if there are proposals in place to change this limit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32270/07]

David Stanton

Question:

379 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his Department has completed its research into disability allowance claimants as referred to in his speech (details supplied); if not, when this will be completed; the action that will be taken as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32241/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos 100, 122 and 379 together.

The appropriateness of benchmarking Disability Allowance and other social welfare rates was examined in 2001 by the Social Welfare Benchmarking and Indexation Group. The Group published its final report in September 2001 but did not achieve a consensus position on the desirability of establishing a formal benchmark, including the 30% of Gross Average Industrial Earnings benchmark.

However, the report did provide a valuable resource for the assessment of the implications of adopting particular approaches to the up rating of social welfare payments and was considered by Government as part of the review of the National Anti-Poverty Strategy (NAPS) in 2002. Recognising that the exact rate was a matter for Government, the Strategy set a target of €150 per week (in 2002 terms) for the lowest social welfare payments, including Disability Allowance to be met by 2007. This target was achieved in Budget 2007.

The current social partnership agreement, Towards 2016, commits the Government and social partners to working together to achieve the NAPS target and to maintaining the value of Disability Allowance and other social welfare rates at this level over the course of the agreement, subject to available resources.

In addition to its income support role, Disability Allowance also acts as an incentive to employment or training though the income disregard for rehabilitative employment. Prior to 1 June 2006, this income disregard operated on the basis of a flat income limit of €120 meaning that, once a person exceeded earnings of €120 per week, payment of their Disability Allowance was withdrawn on a euro for euro basis. This approach provided no incentive to increase earnings from employment above that level and conflicted with one of the underlying policy principles relating to incentives to work; that there must be a reward for working.

A review published by the Department of Social and Family Affairs in 2003 of the Illness and Disability Payment Schemes suggested that continually increasing the income disregard level is not the most appropriate answer to the disincentive problem. Instead, that Review favoured introducing a mechanism which would allow for the gradual reduction of social welfare benefits as earnings increase, thereby allowing people who increase their earnings or employment potential to see an increase in the overall income level.

It was in this context that a change to the income disregard was introduced, as of from 1 June 2006, with the result that there is no longer a flat income limit of €120 but instead a tapered withdrawal rate between €120 and €350. The effect of this is that all income up to €120 is disregarded as means when assessing entitlement, while income between €120 and €350 is assessed on the basis of 50 cents for every euro earned. For a person on the maximum personal rate of Disability Allowance, this means they can now earn up to €420 before their payment fully ceases.

The Review of the Illness and Disability Payment Schemes, referred to above, was a wide-ranging and comprehensive review which, when examining Disability Allowance, also recommended a further review of the significant increase in the number of recipients of Disability Allowance since my Department took over responsibility for it in 1996. It is now my intention to undertake this review in order to look at this increase in numbers as well as at how best the allowance can support the objectives of my Department's Disability Sectoral Plan, especially in the area of activation and participation.

The terms of reference for this review are currently being finalised within my Department. However, the forthcoming publication by the Central Statistics Office of findings from the National Survey on Disability in Ireland carried out in 2006 will be central to this review as it will allow the Department, for the first time, to ‘match' the incidence of disability in Ireland against the numbers in receipt of disability allowance. Publication of this survey by the Central Statistics Office is not expected until early 2008 and this will impact on the final production of my Department's review.

All issues in relation to Disability Allowance, including changes to either the rates of payment for Disability Allowance or the income disregard, or recommendations emerging from future reviews, will be considered within the context of the overall social welfare budgetary package.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

101 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he has received the NESC research on the possible merging of family income supplement and child dependent allowances; and the action he proposes to take. [32187/07]

Pat Breen

Question:

129 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will provide a progress report on the welfare reforms outlined in the Programme for Government for child income support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32275/07]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

134 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on proposals to change the family income supplement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32279/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 101, 129 and 134 together.

The Agreed Programme for Government contained a series of welfare reforms aimed at prioritising the interest of families and children.

Under the terms of an earlier Social Partnership agreement the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) was asked to examine the feasibility of merging the family income supplement with qualified child increases with a view to creating a single second tier child income support. Such a payment would be aimed specifically at targeting child poverty by channelling resources to low-income families without creating significant disincentives to employment. This commitment to examining such a change was subsequently embodied in the current social partnership agreement ‘Towards 2016'.

It is still unclear when the outcome of their deliberation on the issue will be made available by the NESC. What is clear, however, is that there are complex policy and technical challenges to be overcome if these two payment instruments are to be amalgamated. This document will, no doubt, confirm this and will be of assistance in informing developments in this area.

The importance of targeted income support to families and children continues to be a high priority for me and for this Government and recent changes have seen substantial improvements in this area. These include increased weekly income thresholds for all FIS family sizes with additional resources being directed at larger families, as research has shown that this is where poverty is more likely to exist.

Also this year all three rates of qualified child increase, which had remained unchanged since 1994, were consolidated to a single rate of €22 per week. In addition, significant improvements were made to the annual back to school clothing and footwear allowance, which provides income support for the poorest families at a particularly difficult time of the year.

These changes represent a more selective approach to child income support through targeting children in poorer households while at the same time limiting the extent to which employment disincentives are increased. Maintaining this balance will remain a priority in consideration of future policy changes in this area.

Question No. 102 answered with QuestionNo. 99.

Pension Provisions.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

103 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason Section 39 of the Pensions (Amendment) Act 2002 has not been fully commenced; when he will do so; and when he will commence the remaining parts of the Act. [32215/07]

Section 39 of the Pensions (Amendment) Act 2002 provides for the insertion of a new section 56A into the Pensions Act 1990. Section 56A provides for the consideration of index-linked increases in rates payable in defined benefit pension schemes. It only applies to schemes where the rules do not provide mandatory indexation and does not require that indexation be introduced, only that it be examined. The intention of the provision is that it would encourage trustees to provide indexation of pensions in payment.

As the House is aware, the Green Paper on pensions policy was published on the 17th October and a major consultation process in relation to future pensions policy is now underway. Following the completion of the consultation process, the Government is to respond to the views expressed by publishing a framework for future pensions policy. As part of this process, the situation in relation to section 39 of the 2002 Act will be kept under review, in consultation with the Pensions Board, and section 39 commenced at an appropriate time.

Section 3 of the Pensions (Amendment) Act 2002 provided for the insertion of a new Part 10 into the Pensions Act to establish the framework for the introduction of Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs). This amendment has been commenced in full with the exception of section 122. Section 122 provides for the replacement of buy-out bonds with PRSAs. A buy-out bond is a pension bond into which you can transfer your fund if you leave your company pension scheme. Originally, the intention, in line with the National Pensions Policy Initiative, was that new buy-out bonds would cease when PRSAs became available.

However, due to the 15 year tax rule on transfers from occupational pension schemes to PRSAs, buy-out bonds will have to remain, at least in the short to medium term. While there are no immediate plans to commence this section of the Act, I will continue to keep it under active consideration.

Section 43 of this Act provides for new sections, 59D to 59F, to be inserted into the Pensions Act 1990. Sections 59D and E provide additional requirements for disclosure and consultation prior to finalisation of the winding-up of a pension scheme, actuarial certification of funding levels and disclosure to scheme members prior to bulk transfers. Section 59F provides that changes in scheme rules and the exercise of any discretionary power to augment members' benefits may be deemed null and void in certain circumstances. All of these sections require the making of Regulations some of which are currently being drafted. When these Regulations are finalised, the enabling powers will be commenced.

Noel Coonan

Question:

104 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the proposed reforms of treatment of women in the social welfare code as outlined in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32292/07]

P. J. Sheehan

Question:

143 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the commitment given in the Programme for Government to address the inequalities for women in the social welfare system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32289/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 104 and 143 together.

There has been a range of reforms to the social welfare system over recent decades which are making it easier for people, and women in particular, to qualify for contributory pensions.

Social insurance coverage has been extended to include new categories of employment such as part-time workers, qualifying conditions for pensions have been eased and the Homemakers scheme introduced to limit the impact periods spent out of the workforce on caring duties can have on pension entitlements. The effect of these reforms, combined with increased workforce participation, will be to ensure that, in future, most people will qualify for a contributory pension in their own right.

The Government has also taken action to improve the position of those who do not qualify for a pension in their own right, but are supported as qualified adults on the pension of their spouse or partner. The Agreed Programme for Government contains a commitment to increase the rate of the qualified adult payment to the level of the State Pension (non contributory) and, in the case of pensions claimed since the September of this year, the payment will issue direct to the spouse or partner. Voluntary arrangements for separate payments, which have been available since 2002, remain open to existing pension recipients.

There are, of course, many older women who, for various reasons, cannot benefit from the many changes outlined. The position of these women, together with others not covered by the social welfare pensions system, and the implications of making provision for them, is discussed in the Green Paper on pensions which I published on the 17th October. Overall it is estimated that there are some 47,000 people, including 30,000 women, who are not receiving a pension payment in their own right or as a qualified adult on the pension of their spouse or partner. In the main these are former public servants, self-employed and their spouses. Decisions in this area will be made in the context of the framework for future pensions policy which will be developed when the consultation process on the Green Paper is completed.

The Department is also carrying out a technical review of the entire social welfare code to examine its compatibility with the Equal Status Act 2000 (as amended). This will identify any instances of direct or indirect discrimination, on any of the nine grounds under the Act, including: gender, sexual orientation, marital status and family status that are not justified by a legitimate social policy objective or where the means of achieving that objective are either unnecessary or inappropriate.

The findings of this review and the conclusions in the social welfare pensions area arising from the publication of the Green Paper, will contribute to informed planning and policy making to ensure that the social welfare system, and the pensions system in general, reflects the needs and expectations of all citizens and is equitable in meeting those needs.

Child Support.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

105 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will restore child benefit to the children of asylum seekers and those awaiting a residency decision. [32306/07]

Child benefit may be paid in respect of every child under the age of 16 years, who is ordinarily resident in the State. Payment can be extended to the 19th birthday if the child is in education, or incapable of self-support. The benefit is paid to the qualified person with whom the child resides and the qualified person must satisfy the Habitual Residence Condition.

The purpose of the Habitual Residence Condition (HRC), introduced in May 2004, is to allow access to our social welfare schemes to people who are genuinely and lawfully making Ireland their habitual residence, while preventing unwarranted access by persons who have little or no connection with the State.

Persons without a right to residency in Ireland, such as Asylum seekers and those awaiting a residency decision are not considered to be habitually resident in the state. Amongst the factors considered in deciding if a person is habitually resident are a person's future intentions to live in the country.

If a person has not yet received permission to reside in Ireland, they are not considered to be able to establish their future intentions to live in the country.

Those who do not satisfy the HRC condition because they are in the asylum process have direct provision available to them; in certain cases they may also avail of exceptional needs payments from the local Health Board for the period that their asylum application is being processed, and in this manner the rights and welfare of the child is protected. As soon as refugee status or right to remain is granted to such persons, they are accepted as habitually resident and they therefore are entitled to child benefit in respect of their qualifying children.

The operation of the habitual residence condition in my Department continues to be monitored on an ongoing basis. The rationale behind the introduction of the HRC in May 2004 — to ensure that persons who have not worked in Ireland or who have not established their habitual residence in Ireland should not avail of assistance schemes or child benefit — continues to be relevant. As a result there is no proposal to change the current arrangements.

Pension Provisions.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

106 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way he will fund the commitments set out in the Programme for Government on State contributory pension and other schemes in view of the projected deficit in the social insurance fund. [32191/07]

The Programme for Government contains a commitment to ‘Increase the basic State pension by around 50% to at least €300 per week by 2012'. Changes to pension rates are considered each year in a budgetary context and any changes proposed for 2008 would be announced in the forthcoming Budget.

It is estimated that the cost of increasing contributory pensions, which are financed through the Social Insurance Fund, to €300 would be €1,705 million in a full year.

The exact effect of such an increase on the Social Insurance Fund would be contingent on the sequencing of changes to pension rates in the period to 2012 but, in the short term, the Fund has sufficient resources to provide for this increase and increases to other benefit schemes.

The second Actuarial Review of the Social Insurance Fund, which was required under Section 10 of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act, 2005 was published on 17th October 2007 in conjunction with the Green Paper on Pensions.

The findings of the Review include:

That the Fund will move from being in surplus to running a deficit in 2009; and

That on foot of the annual deficits from 2009, the accumulated surplus will be exhausted by 2016.

In this context it should be noted that legislation provides that the Exchequer is the residual financier of the Fund and Exchequer contributions to cover shortfalls in contributions were the norm for over forty years.

Any shortfall in the cost of benefits paid would, in the normal way, be addressed by Exchequer subvention. Other approaches to such an annual deficit would be a matter for the Government to consider in a future budgetary context.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

107 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the establishment of a participation fund which could be paid to lone parents moving from social welfare payments to work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32266/07]

The Department actively assists and encourages lone parents to return to work, training or further education through a range of measures including earnings disregards and back to work and education incentives.

For example, a single parent getting one parent family payment (OPFP) may have earnings from employment or self-employment of up to €146.50 per week and still receive the maximum rate of OPFP. If their earnings are between €146.50 and €400 per week they may continue to receive payment but at a reduced rate. Where weekly earnings exceed €400 they can continue to receive payment at 50% of the appropriate rate of OPFP payable to them for a period of 26 weeks subject to their satisfying all of the other conditions of the scheme and where, immediately prior to their earnings exceeding €400 per week, they have been in receipt of OPFP for a period of not less than 52 weeks. The back to work allowance scheme allows single parents to return to work and receive an allowance equivalent to their weekly rate of OPFP on tapered basis. For those engaging in self-employment, the weekly allowance is 100% in year 1 and 75%, 50% and 25% respectively over the following 3 years. In the case of employees, the allowance is payable at 75% in year 1, 50% in year 2 and 25% in year 3. Currently there are 1,305 lone parents availing of the back to work allowance scheme, 392 of whom are self-employed.

Lone parents may also avail of the back to education allowance programme which provides support to long-term social welfare recipients including lone parents who need to obtain educational qualifications before re-entering the labour market. Lone parents participating under the programme receive a standard weekly allowance equivalent to the rate of OPFP payable to them prior to participation.

The Department has received funding under The National Development Plan 2007-2013 to develop an active outcome-focused individual case management of all social welfare customers of working age including lone parents who are not progressing into employment or accessing training or education opportunities. The objective is to establish a rights with responsibilities concept in social welfare supports by moving from a passive approach to active case management on an individual basis.

The Government discussion paper "Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents" includes proposals or a range of services to assist lone parents with the transition to employment including the expanded availability and range of education and training opportunities, the extension of the NDP, the focused provision of childcare and improved information services. The development of these services is currently being addressed by the relevant Departments and Agencies in co-operation with the Seniors Officials Group on Social Inclusion.

The Department is committed to examining broader social policy reforms directed at the removal of existing obstacles to employment and educational opportunities for those most vulnerable in society. The measures outlined form part of this approach and provide positive support in assisting lone parents in the transition for welfare to work or education. In that regard, I not see any additional benefit in providing for the establishment of a participation fund as suggested by the Deputy.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

108 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will review the payment method for up to 15,000 carers who are entitled to another social welfare payment but may not be able to collect the two payments on the same day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32274/07]

The Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2007 provided for new arrangements whereby people in receipt of certain social welfare payments, who are also providing full time care and attention, would, subject to meeting means criteria, be able to retain their main welfare payment and receive half rate Carer's Allowance.

The current range of payment options offered by my Department to customers includes payment to a bank or building society account, or at a local post office. Customers opt for a particular payment option having regard to their own circumstances.

My Department administers a variety of schemes which have weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual payment cycles. For operational and administrative reasons, and to facilitate the distribution of payments through the bank and Post Office networks, each scheme is assigned a day of the week for payment. In this way, payments through Post Offices are spread across the week thus avoiding overcrowding and allowing for better management of queries. In addition, customers can collect payments on the due date or on a day that suits their needs thereafter. Customers receiving two payments from the Department can collect both social welfare payments at a Post Office on the same day.

Pension Provisions.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

109 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when he will extend the age allowance to qualified adults over 80 years of age. [32195/07]

The Programme for Government features a number of commitments in relation to social welfare pensions. These include the commitment to pay the over 80 allowance in respect of the qualified adult portion of the pension. The allowance was increased in 2006 to its present level of €10 per week. There are approximately 4,500 qualified adults of contributory pensioners aged over 80 years. Extending the over 80 allowance to this group will cost in the region of €2.4 million per annum. This measure will be addressed over the lifetime of the Government.

Tax and Social Welfare Codes.

Bernard Allen

Question:

110 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the proposed reforms to allow the integration of tax and social welfare systems as proposed under the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32262/07]

Joan Burton

Question:

126 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress with regard to the commitment made in the Programme for Government to integrate the tax and social welfare systems fully to allow for more efficient data and money transfer mechanisms and provide for a fully integrated PPS system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32173/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 110 and 126 together.

My Department has taken a lead role over the years in developing and implementing identity management policies and procedures based on the use of the Personal Public Services (PPS) number. This number was previously known as the Revenue and Social Insurance (RSI) number. The name was changed to indicate the broadening of its role to one which supports delivery of a broader range of public services but it is also still used for its original core purpose of providing a common identifier for the Revenue Commissioners and this Department.

As well as facilitating wider-scale exchange of information, the PPS number also has a role in the development of on-line services for individuals. My Department provides identity related services to a number of agencies in accordance with legislation. Building on these services, the Department constructed Public Service Identity (PSI) services to assist agencies in basic on-line identity management. The initial deployment of PSI services, through the Reach agency, supports the registration and authentication functions of the Revenue Commissioners PAYE on-line services.

The overall Government strategy is to realise the potential of the Information Society through innovation and modernisation of public services. As part of this, the Standard Authentication Framework Environment programme, co-chaired by my Department and the Department of Finance, builds on PSI Services to provide the basis for a consistent set of registration and authentication services for customer interaction with public services. The Revenue Commissioners are also participating in this programme of work and we will continue to develop PSI and other relevant services in conjunction with them.

My Department and the Office of the Revenue Commissioners are currently engaged in finalising a renewed Memorandum of Understanding between our organisations concerning co-operation and mutual assistance. The objective of the proposed revised Memorandum is:

to provide a basis for the continuance, enhancement and expansion of the existing administrative and operational arrangements;

to better reflect the missions, modern operating realities and totality of the relationship between the two organisations;

to recognise the growing interdependencies between the two organisations in achieving the delivery of services to the highest standard; and

to strengthen liaison structures with a view to monitoring service delivery and control aspects.

It is expected that the Memorandum will be finalised before the end of the year.

My Department will of course continue to explore on the basis of these significant ongoing developments how greater data and money transfer efficiencies could be realised in the future.

Question No. 111 answered with QuestionNo. 88.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

112 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons who to date have applied for carers allowance as a second social welfare income based on the new regulations in place from 30 September 2007; if he is satisfied that enough effort has been made to make sure that all those entitled get their rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32298/07]

The Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2007 provided for new arrangements whereby people in receipt of certain social welfare payments, who are also providing full time care and attention, would, subject to meeting means criteria, be able to retain their main welfare payment and receive another payment.

The Department notified some 57,000 customers regarding the new improvements and their possible entitlement to half rate Carer's Allowance. The breakdown of the customers notified is as follows:

Number of people notified regarding half rate Carer's Allowance

In receipt of

Number notified (approx.)

Carer’s Allowance

29,900

Respite Care Grant

6,100

Carer’s Benefit

2,000

Domiciliary Care Allowance (paid from the HSE)

19,000

Total notified

57,000

In addition the Department ran a media advertising campaign on radio, television and newspapers to raise public awareness of half rate Carer's Allowance. The media campaign commenced on 27th September and ran for 1 week.

In the last 10 weeks some 6,700 Carer's Allowance applications have been received by the Department. I am satisfied that sufficient efforts have been made to publicise the new arrangements; however I am keeping the position under review.

Child Support.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

113 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the estimated increase in the cost of welfare claims in 2008 arising from the entitlement of EU migrant workers to the new childcare supplement and child benefit; the way this compares with the cost in 2005 and 2006 and the original estimate of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32209/07]

In line with EU Regulation 1408/71, workers with families are entitled to family benefits such as Child Benefit (CB) and Early Childhood Supplement, even if the children are resident in the workers home country.

In advance of the opening up of the labour market 2004 to workers from the EU accession states it was not possible to estimate the rate at which people would take up employment here and the impact that would have on the number of claims for family benefits. Indeed, in the years since accession, the number of claims being received on a monthly basis has fluctuated from a high level of over 400 per week to 150 in the last four weeks. Furthermore, it is not yet clear how long workers remain in this country having taken up employment, a factor which impacts on the estimated cost of the scheme.

My Department has been developing its claim processing procedures and appropriate control activities in respect of family benefit claims from non-Irish applicants. These procedures are being developed in the light of experience processing claims in recent years and it is expected that over time a clearer picture will emerge of the work patterns and residency of non-Irish nationals which will facilitate more accurate estimation of future claim levels.

Child Benefit paid for non-resident children in 2005 was €1.6m and in 2006 amounted to €2.9m. The Early Childcare Supplement commenced in April 2006 and amounted to just under €400,000. The 2007 estimate for child benefit is €4.2m and €570,000 for the Early Childcare Supplement.

In view of the uncertainties regarding the likely number of applicants and the duration of their claim, it is not possible at this stage to give precise estimates of costs for 2008.

Departmental Offices.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

114 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the level of late night or non-standard office hours opening hours operated by his Department; his plans to expand current arrangements; the estimated rate of on-line applications received by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32171/07]

None of my Department offices operates late night or non-standard opening hours for public access and there are no plans to expand the current opening arrangements.

The majority of Social Welfare Local Offices are open to the public from 9.30am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, including lunch hours. Some Local Offices, including Social Welfare Branch Offices, do not open during lunch hour as it would not be feasible given their customer base and the small number of staff working in them. The majority of Social Welfare Local Offices however do provide a phone service from 9.30am to 5.30pm, including lunch hour, each week day.

Information in relation to all my Departments schemes and services is available 24 hours a days from the Departments website www.welfare.ie, and application forms, in respect of all schemes, can be downloaded from this site. The facility to complete scheme application forms on-line does not currently exist on the website.

Customers can however use an on-line form to notify the Department that they are unemployed and wish to make a claim for Jobseekers Benefit. My Department subsequently contacts them to enable them to make their claim. Each month some 450 customers use this on-line facility.

My Department's website is currently being redeveloped and the new website over time will facilitate the introduction of new on-line services including on-line applications for welfare benefits.

Pension Provisions.

John Perry

Question:

115 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will provide a progress report on the better supports for older people as outlined in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32264/07]

The ‘Better Supports for Older People' commitments contained in the Programme for Government consist of a range of measures spanning several Government departments including the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the Department of Health and Children, the Department of Education and Science as well as the Department of Social and Family Affairs.

Where my Department is concerned, the Programme for Government features a number of commitments in relation to social welfare pensions. These include the commitment to increase the basic State pension to €300 per week by 2012. The Government has also committed to completing the process begun in Budget 2007 to bring payments to qualified adults up to the level of the State pension (non-contributory) over a period of three years.

The Programme for Government also includes a commitment to extend payment of the over 80 allowance to qualified adults. When implemented, this will benefit some 4,500 people who are receiving support as qualified adults on the pension of their spouse or partner. This measure will be addressed over the lifetime of the Government.

Further reforms and improvements designed to achieve Government targets in the area of pensioners' income will be considered in the context of the Green Paper on Pensions, published on the 17th October. The Green Paper sets out challenges for pensions in the future and identifies options for addressing these issues in the future.

A major consultation process in relation to future pensions policy is now underway. Following the completion of the consultation process, the Government will develop a framework for future pensions policy.

Question No. 116 answered with QuestionNo. 99.

Anti-Poverty Strategy.

Noel Coonan

Question:

117 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the proposed reforms of the social welfare payments as agreed in the National action plan on social inclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32293/07]

Combating poverty and building an inclusive society are key priorities for the Government. The National Action Plan for Social Inclusion (NAPinclusion), launched in February 2007, and the social inclusion commitments in the National Development Plan were drawn up in consultation with the social partners and after a wide ranging consultation process with other stakeholders. The NAPinclusion adopts a lifecycle stage approach, in line with Towards 2016, with specific, measurable goals set for each group: children; people of working age; older people and people with disabilities; and their communities. It sets out a demanding and detailed programme of action to meet these goals and targets during the period 2007-2016.

The overall goal in the NAPinclusion is to reduce the number of those experiencing consistent poverty to between 2 per cent and 4 per cent by 2012, with the aim of eliminating consistent poverty by 2016. Income support payments are central to achieving this objective. Priority goals in the NAPinclusion relate to income support payments for children, for people of working age and for older people.

Considerable investment has been made in income support for children in recent years. This year alone, the Government provided some €240 million for a range of measures to combat child poverty. These included significant increases in Child Benefit, a new single high rate Qualified Child Allowance, improvements in the Family Income Supplement, the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance and the school meals programme, and higher earnings thresholds for One Parent Family Payments. Improvements in child and family support payments have again been prioritised in the Programme for Government for the coming years.

Children growing up in low income or jobless households are the most vulnerable to poverty. Employment is the best route out of poverty and in line with the NAPinclusion further improvements in support for lone parents are planned. These include a new case management approach to assist them in getting into employment, or to take up training to provide them with better skills, and a new social assistance payment, being developed by my department, to facilitate lone parents achieving financial independence through employment.

The Government is committed to maintaining the basic rates of welfare payments in line with the targets in the NAPinclusion. This can be seen in the level of increase in social welfare expenditure which is up from € 5.7 billion in 1997 to over €15 billion in 2007.

Removing disincentives and barriers to taking up employment are important policy considerations in this regard. A new Social and Economic Participation Programme to be introduced by my Department will focus on active engagement with people that are furthest from the labour market with the objective of supporting 50,000 people including lone parents and long term unemployed people over the next few years. People with disabilities are a particular priority and the immediate objective, working with FAS and other relevant agencies, is to have an additional 7,000 people with a disability who do not have difficulty in retaining a job, in employment by 2010.

Support for carers and increasing the State Pension rate are ongoing priorities for the Government in implementing the NAPinclusion. Further improvements in eligibility for the Carers Allowance are planned in the Programme for Government. The basic State Pension is now €200 a week and the Government is committed to increasing it further to €300 over the next few years.

The NAPinclusion 2007 -2016 builds on the considerable progress achieved in the past decade in tackling poverty and reducing the number of people experiencing material deprivation in Ireland. Sustained investment by the Government in anti-poverty measures is yielding significant results. The latest results from the EU Survey on Income and Living Conditions, released last week, indicate that the rate of consistent poverty in the population in 2006 was 6.5 per cent having reduced from 8.2% in 2003. Most notably the rate of consistent poverty among older people has come down to 2.2% in 2006. The first annual Social Inclusion Report 2006-2007 prepared by the Office for Social Inclusion of my department and published in mid November shows that this progress is continuing and that the social inclusion targets are on track.

My plan, in working with Government to deliver the programme over the coming years, is to build on the significant and visible progress already made in reducing poverty and material deprivation and to deliver real improvements in living standards and well-being for the most vulnerable in our society.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

118 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the introduction of a single means test for secondary benefits; his views on such a test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32281/07]

The term secondary benefits normally refers to those additional payments available to social welfare recipients who need extra help with meeting the cost of their rent, heating or other expenses. I understand the Deputy is referring principally to Fuel Allowance, Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA) and Rent Supplement.

All social assistance payments are subject to a means test. While there are similarities in the specific tests for these secondary benefits, they are designed to meet the objectives of each category of benefit and to ensure that the maximum amount of support is targeted at those most in need. For that reason, it is simply not possible or indeed desirable to have a single means test for all secondary benefits.

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

A person may qualify for payment of BSCFA in respect of a qualified child or children if they are in receipt of a social welfare payment or Health Service Executive (HSE) payment, or participating in an approved employment scheme or attending a recognised education and training course and have household income at or below certain set levels. In this case, any family income supplement payable to the family is disregarded for means assessment purposes.

The purpose of rent supplement, administered under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, is to provide short-term income support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. A person may qualify for rent supplement if they are in receipt of a social welfare payment or Health Service Executive (HSE) payment, or participating in an approved employment scheme or attending a recognised education and training course and have household income at or below certain set levels . In this case, any family income supplement payable to the family is taken into account for means assessment purposes.

The means test is structured to ensure that a rent supplement recipient is always better off if they take up work. It is necessary to take changes in family income supplement into account to achieve this outcome.

Means tests are there to ensure that maximum support is targeted at those most in need of the support of the particular secondary benefit. The operation of means tests across all social welfare schemes is constantly under review. Any changes to the way means tests operate would have significant cost implication and would have to be considered in a budgetary context and in the light of resources available to me for improvements in social welfare generally.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

119 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his proposals to reform the family income supplement to include the reduction of the minimum hours for qualification to 17.5 hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32267/07]

My department administers a number of schemes designed to help working families on low incomes.

Family income supplement is the principal in-work income support for people in low-income employment with children. It is designed to provide the incentive to remain in, or take up, employment rather than be fully welfare dependent. To qualify for payment, a person must be engaged in insurable employment for a minimum of 38 hours per fortnight. However, a couple may combine their hours of employment to meet this criterion.

Improvements to FIS include the change of assessment from a gross income basis to net income, the increase to €20 per week in the minimum payment and, in recent years, the re-focusing of income thresholds to include additional gains for larger families.

If a low income worker is not employed at a level appropriate to claim FIS, there are a range of other payments which may be more appropriate. For instance, people working up to three days per week may instead apply for a jobseeker's payment, provided they are unemployed for the remainder of the week and continue to seek full-time work. Entitlement can be either insurance based (jobseeker's benefit) or means-based (jobseeker's allowance).

The part-time job incentive scheme is available to those who were previously on a jobseeker's payment for 15 months or more and are now working under 24 hours per week while seeking full-time employment. This payment is not means-tested.

Farm assist is a weekly means-tested payment for low income farmers, including those who may have off-farm employment or self-employment.

In addition, many social welfare payments, including one parent family payment and disability allowance provide for earnings disregards and tapered withdrawal of payments as earnings increase. Information on all my department's schemes is available from any social welfare local office or the department's website, www.welfare.ie.

As any relaxation of FIS qualification criteria on the lines suggested would not be consistent with the objectives of the scheme, I have no plans to proceed in this way.

Advocacy Services.

Phil Hogan

Question:

120 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the proposed reforms of the Citizens Information Board as outlined in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32260/07]

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

145 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if is satisfied with the development of personal advocacy services for people with disabilities; and when he will commence the relative sections of the Citizen’s Information Act 2007. [32210/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 120 and 145 together.

The Citizens Information Act 2007 provides for the establishment of a Personal Advocacy Service for certain people with disabilities to be administered by the Citizens Information Board.

The Personal Advocacy Service will assist the individuals concerned in identifying and understanding their needs and options with regard to a broad range of social services including health, social welfare, education, family support, housing, taxation, citizenship, consumer matters, employment and training, equality, asylum and immigration.

The development of advocacy services is a priority for my Department and in this regard additional funding of €1.9m has been provided for the Citizens Information Board in 2007 for the development of a personal advocacy service for people with disabilities and for the implementation of the Disability Sectoral Plan.

An organisational structure has been developed by the Citizens Information Board to meet the needs of the Personal Advocacy Service. Discussions between my Department, the Department of Finance and the Citizens Information Board are ongoing in relation to these structures and the additional staffing resources required for the service. Temporary accommodation has been identified to facilitate the immediate needs of the service.

The commencement order for all sections of the Citizens Information Act, 2007, other than part of Section 4 and all of Section 5 has been signed into law. It is envisaged that the post of Director of the Personal Advocacy Service will be advertised shortly. The service will commence when the Director is appointed and the appropriate structures have been put in place. The establishment of the new service is on target to be up and running in the early part of 2008.

Question No. 121 answered with QuestionNo. 91.
Question No. 122 answered with QuestionNo. 100.

Anti-Poverty Strategy.

Enda Kenny

Question:

123 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the details of the incentives to address the issue of families living below the poverty line and the growing pattern of working poverty associated with the major growth in employment in recent years as highlighted by the Combat Poverty Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32278/07]

Information on poverty levels, deprivation and social exclusion are provided in the EU Survey on Income and Living Conditions (EU–SILC), which is conducted on an annual basis by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) and which commenced in Ireland in 2003. The most recent results are for the year 2006, which were published on November 27 2007.

In 2006 the percentage of households ‘at risk of poverty' and whose principal economic status was ‘at work' was 6.5%. This rate was significantly lower than that for the total population, which was 17.0% in 2006. However, households whose income falls below the 60% median income threshold are classified as being "at risk of poverty", but are not necessarily in poverty. An indicator has been developed by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), called "consistent poverty", which identifies the proportion of people ‘at risk of poverty', who are also classified as being in consistent poverty due to being deprived of certain goods or services considered essential for a basic standard of living. This measure was recently updated and revised by the ESRI. It is now used in the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion (NAPinclusion) 2007-2016.

In 2006 the percentage of persons whose principal economic status was ‘at work' and who were in "consistent poverty" was 1.6%. This compares with a rate of 6.9% for the total population.

The issue of families where the head of the household is in low income employment has been raised in several fora, in particular with reference to the issue of childcare as experienced by one parent families. While this specific issue is being addressed by my colleague the Minister for Children, my department administers a number of schemes designed to help working families on low incomes including transitional payments for people moving from welfare to work.

Family income supplement is the principal in-work income support for people in low-income employment with children. It is designed to provide the incentive to remain in, or take up, employment rather than be fully welfare dependent. Recent improvements to family income supplement include the change of assessment from a gross income basis to net income, the increase to €20 per week in the minimum payment and, in budget 2007, the continued re-focusing of income thresholds to include additional gains for larger families.

People working three days a week or less may instead apply for a jobseeker's payment, provided they continue to seek full-time work. Entitlement can be either insurance based (jobseeker's benefit) or means-based (jobseeker's allowance).

The part-time job incentive scheme is available to those who were previously on a jobseeker's payment for 15 months or more and are now working under 24 hours per week while seeking full-time employment. This payment is not means-tested.

Farm assist is a weekly means-tested payment for low income farmers, including those who may have off-farm employment or self-employment.

Recipients of various social welfare schemes may also qualify for a transitional payment under the back to work programme, which provides for a phased level of income support over a number of years when taking up employment or self-employment. This payment is not means-tested, with more relaxed qualification criteria for people aged 50 or older.

Full details of my department's schemes are available from any social welfare local office or my department's website, www.welfare.ie.

Damien English

Question:

124 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the provisions or proposals in place to address the high instances of poverty amongst older women; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32290/07]

The Programme for Government features a number of commitments in relation to social welfare pensions, including a commitment to increase the basic State pension to €300 per week by 2012.

Over the last number of Budgets, pension increases have been well ahead of inflation ensuring that not only is the real value of pensions maintained but that they are significantly improved in real terms.

The Department monitors regular statistical releases such as the EU Survey of Income and Living Conditions (SILC) to track the effectiveness of income policies. The 2006 EU-SILC report, published last week, showed that the position for older people improved significantly from 2005 to 2006, with the ‘at risk of poverty' rate falling from 20.1% to 13.6%. Furthermore the number of people aged 65 and over at risk of poverty was significantly lower than for the general population which stood at 17%. There was no significant difference between the rates for men and women, with 13.6% of men aged 65 and over at risk of poverty and 13.7% of women aged 65 and over at risk of poverty.

For many years now, the Government has been anxious to ensure that as many people as possible should qualify for pensions in their own right. In this regard, qualifying conditions for contributory pensions have been eased and special pensions such as the pre-53 payment have been introduced. In the last two Budgets a particular emphasis has been placed on non-contributory pensions with significant improvements in the means test and a higher rate of increase being granted than that given on the contributory side. These improvements are of particular benefit to older women who make up the majority of recipients of non-contributory pensions.

In the case of contributory pensions and most other contributory and non-contributory social welfare payments, a qualified adult increase is payable in respect of a spouse or partner who is wholly or mainly maintained by the claimant. Since 2002, pensioner couples can opt for a payment to be made to a spouse or partner by requesting that the qualified adult portion of the pension be paid directly. This has provided a direct payment for many spouses without their own pension entitlement. Since 24th September, paying the pension and qualified adult increase separately is the default option for new pension claims unless the spouse/partner indicates that they do not wish to receive a direct payment.

The Government has committed itself to complete the process begun in Budget 2007 to bring payments to qualified adults up to the level of the State pension (non-contributory) over a period of three years. The Programme for Government also includes a commitment to extend payment of the over 80 allowance to qualified adults, which will benefit some 4,500 people who are receiving support as qualified adults on the pension of their spouse or partner.

The needs of older people have been, and will remain, a priority for the Government. Further reforms and improvements will be considered in the context of the Green Paper on Pensions, published on the 17th October. The Green Paper sets out a range of suggestions in relation to social welfare pension reform. This includes discussing the use of universal entitlements, back-dating the homemaker's scheme, examining the means test for qualified adults on contributory pensions and changing the basis of assessment from average to total contributions for contributory pension entitlement. A major consultation process in relation to future pensions policy is now underway. Following the completion of the consultation process, the Government will develop a framework for future pensions policy.

Question No. 125 answered with QuestionNo. 70.
Question No. 126 answered with QuestionNo. 110.
Question No. 127 answered with QuestionNo. 78.

Social Welfare Code.

Mary Upton

Question:

128 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will accept the recommendation of the Law Reform Commission that same sex cohabitants should be treated in the same way as opposite sex cohabitants for social welfare payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32206/07]

The recommendation of the Law Reform Commission arose from one of two important pieces of work which have been completed regarding different types of partner relationships and how they should be treated and recognised in Irish society. The first report an ‘Options Paper, presented by the Working Group on Domestic Partnership' to the then Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, focuses on different types of cohabiting relationships, both same and opposite sex, and presents a range of options with regard to giving legal recognition to these relationships. Officials from my Department contributed to the work of this Group.

The second report — the ‘Report of the Law Reform Commission on the Rights and Duties of Cohabitants' — makes substantial recommendations for reform of the law concerning cohabitants including both opposite sex or same sex couples who live together.

These reports come at a time of wide public debate on the question of according legal status to cohabitants generally, and same sex couples in particular, and have contributed to the informed debate on these important topics.

They will also inform the preparation of a General Scheme of a Civil Partnership Bill as approved by Government on 31 October 2007.

My Department is currently carrying out a technical review of the entire social welfare code to examine its compatibility with the Equal Status Act, 2000 (as amended). The review will examine the schemes and services provided for both in social welfare legislation and the administrative schemes operated by the Department. It will identify any instances of direct or indirect discrimination, on any of the nine grounds under the Act, including: gender, sexual orientation, marital status and family status and whether these are justified by a legitimate social policy objective or whether the means of achieving that objective are both necessary and appropriate.

This work, together with the reports I have referred to, will contribute to informed planning and policy making to ensure that the social welfare system reflects the needs and expectations of citizens and is equitable in meeting those needs.

Question No. 129 answered with QuestionNo. 101.

Departmental Inspections.

Willie Penrose

Question:

130 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he is satisfied with the level of inspections and enforcement of employer PRSI requirements carried out by his Department; and the improvements he will make to this area. [32189/07]

Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) is an important part of the social welfare system. Social Insurance provides a range of benefits to customers at certain specified times in their lives. The integrity of the PRSI system is dependent on timely, appropriate contributions being made to the Social Insurance Fund by employers, employees and the self employed as laid down in social welfare legislation.

Contributions due to the Social Insurance Fund are collected in the main by the Revenue Commissioners, together with income tax due. My Department's Inspectorate, appointed under Section 250 of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act 2005 is responsible, inter alia, for ensuring that employers and self employed people comply with the Act in relation to Pay Related Social Insurance contributions. Employer compliance, in this regard, is monitored through inspections include detailed examinations of employers' records to ensure that correct PRSI payments are being made in respect of all employees. In addition, any irregularity in a customer's PRSI record detected at claim processing stage or reported directly by the customer, is referred to the Inspectorate for follow up action.

My Department currently employs some 290 Social Welfare Inspectors throughout the country whose duties involve the investigation of eligibility to a broad variety of means tested schemes, as well as enforcing the law in relation to employers' responsibilities in regard to PRSI matters. In addition, my Department has over 90 officers in it's Special Investigation Unit which is dedicated to combating fraud. These officers also work with Revenue and the new E.T. & E. Inspectorate in carrying out joint investigations of employment records.

Employer inspections carried out by my Department's Inspectorate are comprehensive and involve:

detailed examination of employer records to ensure that accurate records of employees are being maintained and that correct PRSI payments are being made in respect of all their employees and that the correct PRSI class is being applied;

checks to ensure that employees are not concurrently working and claiming social welfare payments;

outlining employers responsibilities with regard to Social Welfare legislation and where Revenue staff are part of the inspection team, tax legislation;

general advice and information to employers on matters such as the operation of the PRSI system, incentives available to employers, the correct classes of contributions, employees' entitlements etc.

Where PRSI undercharges are confirmed, the Inspector sets out PRSI arrears/underpayment in respect of each employee for each tax year and issues a demand to the employer for payment. Should the employer fail to respond satisfactorily, a statutory demand will issue by registered post and the employer given 14 days to respond. If the employer fails to respond the case is considered for prosecution.

In the absence of wage records, an employee statement (Form IN12) detailing evidence of employment and payment of earnings is obtained. Based on confirmation of employment, either by way of wage inspection or employee statement, my Department's Central Records Unit is advised to update the employee's PRSI record for the period of employment in question. Where a benefit claim is pending the relevant Local Office/Section is similarly advised.

The number of employer inspections initiated this calendar year (up to 30/11/07) is some 4550, of which 4190 have been completed. The remaining cases are still under active investigation.

21 employer cases, for offences relating to non-compliance with PRSI legislation, were forwarded to the Chief State Solicitor's Office for prosecution in 2006, 7 cases were finalised in court.

In the first ten months of 2007, 13 employer cases for offences relating to non-compliance with PRSI legislation were forwarded to the Chief State Solicitor's Office for prosecution. 11 cases were finalised in court.

My Department is committed to delivering an effective and efficient regime of employer inspections, and ensuring that PRSI deductions and remittances are made in an accurate and timely manner.

Question No. 131 answered with QuestionNo. 65.
Question No. 132 answered with QuestionNo. 90.
Question No. 133 answered with QuestionNo. 79.
Question No. 134 answered with QuestionNo. 101.
Question No. 135 answered with QuestionNo. 70.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Martin Ferris

Question:

136 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of family income supplement applicants in 2006; and his views on whether the income limits under which a person can be awarded FIS are high enough. [32302/07]

Family income supplement (FIS) is the principal in-work income support for people in low-income employment with children. It designed to provide the incentive to remain in, or take up, employment rather than be fully welfare dependent. In 2006, some 33,000 claims were received for FIS. 13,000 of these were first claims while 19,400 approx. were renewals. For the same period in 2005 there were 22,740 claims received, 7,780 of which were new claims while 14,960 were renewals.

Recent improvements to family income supplement include the change of assessment from a gross income basis to net income, the increase to €20 per week in the minimum payment and, in budget 2007, the continued re-focusing of income thresholds to include additional gains for larger families.

For example, since 2002 the FIS threshold for a one child family has increased from €362 to €480, an increase of 32.6%.

In my view this represents a significant commitment to low income families which I hope to carry forward into the future.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

137 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of recipients of rent allowance by the duration of the claim with a breakdown for those under 12 months, above 12 months and at six monthly intervals above that. [32203/07]

The following table shows that there are 24,703 recipients of rent supplement for 18 months or more. This table represents unbroken continuous claims only. Where recipients change address, the claim at the new address is normally recorded as a new claim and the duration spent at the previous address may not be taken into account in this table.

Number of Recipients of Rent Supplement by Continuous Claim

Duration at 23/11/07

Months (1)

Recipients (2)

0 to 12

26,456

12 to 18

7,718

18 to 24

5,558

24 to 30

4,617

30 to 36

2,986

36 to 42

2,733

42 to 48

1,920

48 to 54

1,731

54 to 60

1,195

60 to 66

852

66 to 72

541

72+

2,570

Total (1)

58,877

Departmental Advertising.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

138 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the promotional or publicity campaigns planned by his Department to inform and assist the high number of people approaching retirement who may find themselves disqualified from a State pension from 2012 on the basis of the new contribution qualifying thresholds that will apply from then; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32212/07]

In line with the recommendations of the Final Report of the National Pensions Board, Section 12 of The Social Welfare Act 1997 (now incorporated in the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005) provides for amendments to the contribution conditions for the purposes of State contributory pensions.

In accordance with the legislation, from April 2002 the paid contributions requirement was standardised at 260 contributions and this will increase to 520 contributions with effect from April 2012. The planned contribution requirement has, for a number of years, been included in the Department's standard information material on pensions.

The Department is at present assessing the likely impact of the change on those who will reach pension age in 2012. The need for promotional work and other measures related to the planned change will be considered when this examination is complete.

Social Welfare Code.

Mary Upton

Question:

139 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he is satisfied that the high number of Irish nationals who have been refused a social welfare payment under the habitual residency rule continues to be warranted; and the basis on which he is making this judgment. [32208/07]

The requirement to be habitually resident in Ireland was introduced as a qualifying condition for certain social assistance schemes and child benefit with effect from 1st of May 2004.

The basis for the restriction is the applicant's habitual residence. The restriction is not based on citizenship, nationality, immigration status or any other factor. The question of what is a person's "habitual residence" has been decided in accordance with European Court of Justice case law, which sets out the grounds for assessing individual claims.

These grounds are now specified in Section 30 of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2007. Decisions to the effect that applicants satisfy the Habitual Residence Condition are made in the majority of cases at claim acceptance stage by Deciding Officers at local level throughout the country. Complex cases that require detailed consideration are sent to a central section in Dublin or are examined in more detail in the scheme areas.

For the period from 1 May 2004 to 31 October 2007, the number of applications decided in respect of Irish citizens was 15,788, of which 1,629 (10%) were disallowed.

Each case received for a determination on the Habitual Residence Condition is dealt with in its own right and a decision is based on application of the legislation and guidelines to the particular individual circumstances of each case. Any applicant who disagrees with a decision has the right to appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.

EU legislation prohibits discrimination between nationals of EU Member States in the context of freedom of movement of workers and their access to social security or social assistance entitlements. Therefore national legislation must not differentiate between Irish nationals and other EU nationals in the application of the habitual residence legislation.

However, Irish nationals returning to live here on a permanent basis should experience no difficulty in meeting the requirements of the Habitual Residence Condition.

Amongst the factors governing a decision in this matter are an assessment of the claimant's main centre of interest and future intentions as it appears from all the circumstances.

The Habitual Residence Condition is being operated in a careful manner to ensure that Ireland's social welfare system is protected, while at the same time ensuring that persons whose cases are appropriate to the system have access to it when they need it.

The reason for the introduction of the Habitual Residence Condition in May 2004 was to ensure that persons who have not worked in Ireland or who have not established habitual residence in Ireland should not avail of assistance schemes or child benefit. The operation of the condition was reviewed by my Department in 2006 and it is not intended to introduce any changes to the current policy in this regard as the original reason for the policy is still valid. The review recommendations relate in the main to increasing the efficiency of administrative procedures concerned with the application of the Habitual Residence Condition.

Question No. 140 answered with QuestionNo. 71.
Question No. 141 answered with QuestionNo. 76.

Departmental Offices.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

142 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on the setting up of a one-stop information centre, co-ordinated by his Department, FÁS, the Money Advice and Budgeting Service and other relevant bodies, to keep people informed of their social welfare rights. [32301/07]

The primary objective of my Department's information policy is to ensure that all citizens are made aware of the wide range of schemes and services available and that they are kept informed of changes and improvements as they occur.

My Department operates a network of approximately 130 local and branch offices throughout the country. Each Local Office has officers who are dedicated to providing information and are available to explain supports and services to people. Access to information services and the quality and range of services have been enhanced in recent years. In addition, for general enquiries a LoCall Information Line (1890 66 22 44) is in operation in my Department, which enables customers, regardless of their geographic location, to get information on schemes and services.

My Department produces a comprehensive range of information leaflets and booklets which are available in a wide range of outlets across the country, including all local Social Welfare Offices, Citizens Information Centres, Post Offices and from my Department's LoCall Leaflet Line at 1890 20 23 25. Information is also provided on my Department's website at www.welfare.ie.

A pro-active approach is taken in advertising new schemes and services, or changes and improvements to existing schemes and services, by using an appropriate mix of national and provincial media, information leaflets, fact sheets, posters and direct mailshots.

Presentations and talks are given by staff of my Department to various interest groups relevant to their needs and my Department also attends exhibitions and seminars throughout the country promoting information on social welfare rights and entitlements.

The Citizens Information Board, under the remit of my Department is the national support agency responsible for supporting the provision of independent information, advice and advocacy on the broad range of social services which includes social welfare services. The Board supports the provision of information to the public through three information channels: the Citizens Information website (www.citizensinformation.ie), the Citizens Information Phone Service and the nationwide network of Citizens Information Services. There are 42 Citizens Information Services offering information from 254 locations throughout the country, comprising 105 Citizens Information Centres (51 full-time and 54 part-time) and 149 outreach services. The Citizens Information Phone Service provides information by telephone at Lo-Call rates, operating from 9am to 9pm, Monday to Friday.

MABS, which is funded by my Department, provides assistance to people who are over-indebted and need help and advice in coping with debt problems. MABS offices are located in 65 locations nationwide. The National Telephone Helpline 1890 283 438 (1890 BUDGET) is available Monday to Friday from 9am to 8pm and information about budgeting and a self help money management facility is also available online at the MABS website www.mabs.ie.

My Department works in co-operation with FÁS in encouraging people to participate in work, training or education through the National Employment Action Plan.

The Employment Action Plan is a preventative strategy in which the Department refers unemployed people to FÁS on reaching specified duration thresholds on the Live Register. It is a key element of the Government's labour market policy. The purpose is to enable the person to access the range of employment, training and education opportunities afforded by FÁS. It is based on the well established principle that early intervention reduces the likely duration of unemployment.

There is a significant amount of day-to-day inter-agency co-operation in the provision of information and services to citizens. While there are no plans at this time to establish a one-stop information centre, as suggested in the Deputy's question, opportunities for greater synergy between the various bodies will be kept under review.

Question No. 143 answered with QuestionNo. 104.
Question No. 144 answered with QuestionNo. 79.
Question No. 145 answered with QuestionNo. 120.
Question No. 146 answered with QuestionNo. 71.
Question No. 147 answered with QuestionNo. 76.

Social Welfare Code.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

148 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his plans to amend legislation to allow welfare payments to be backdated on a standard basis by more than the current six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32175/07]

The legislative provisions relating to late claims for social welfare benefits are set out in Section 241 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, and in Regulations made under that section. These provisions set out the times within which a person must claim, the disqualifications which apply where a claim is made late, and the circumstances in which the time limits may be extended.

Since 1997 a number of improvements have been made to the provision relating to late claims for social welfare payments. For example, prior to 1997 arrears of state pension contributory claims were limited to either three months or six months before the date of claim. Regulations made in 2000 put certain extra-statutory provisions that had applied in the case of late claims under certain schemes on a statutory basis. All late claims are now determined in accordance with the legislation.

The legislation also provides for payment to be made on foot of late claims in the case of a range of other schemes for a period of 6 months prior to the date of claim provided there was good cause for the late claim.

The legislation now also provides for relaxation of the restrictions on backdating late claims under all schemes apart from Unemployment Benefit, Unemployment Assistance and Supplementary Welfare Allowance, and for further payment to be made, up to the level of full retrospection where the circumstances would warrant it, where:

the delay was due to incorrect information having been given by my Department, or

illness or a force majeure prevented a person from claiming earlier or,

the person is dependent on the arrears of payment to relieve financial hardship.

It is generally accepted that there is an obligation on people to claim their social welfare entitlements in time. However, cases will inevitably arise where they fail to do so and the legislative provisions are designed to cater for such situations. I am satisfied that the current provisions strike a reasonable balance between, on the one hand the need to exercise supervision and control of claims and the requirements of sound financial management and control of public expenditure and, on the other hand, the need for appropriate recognition to be given to cases of genuine hardship or difficulty.

Departmental Publications.

Brian Hayes

Question:

149 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Taoiseach if his Department published an annual report in 2007; if not, when his Department plan to publish one; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31934/07]

The Department of the Taoiseach's Annual Report 2006 was presented to Government in April 2007. The Annual Report was subsequently published simultaneously in Irish and English, as required by the Official Languages Act, and copies were supplied to both Houses of the Oireachtas.

Departmental Offices.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

150 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Taoiseach if his Department has carried out a study of opening hours of public offices under the control or remit of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32009/07]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

152 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Taoiseach the opening hours of his Department’s public offices and public phone lines and if they close for lunch; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32059/07]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

153 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Taoiseach the opening hours for the public offices and telephone lines and if they close for lunch for each of the agencies and State bodies that are under the control of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32074/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 150, 152 and 153 together.

My Department has not carried out a study of opening hours of the public offices under its control. However, the Deputy will be aware that access to public services and choice in how those services are delivered (including opening) are two of the core principles of the Quality Customer Service Initiative. My Department uses customer surveys on a regular basis to establish customer needs and to feed this information into its customer charter and customer actions plan, to meet any service gaps that may be identified.

My Department's business hours are 9.00am to 7.00pm from Monday to Friday and the Department's switchboard operates during this time. My Department does not close for lunch. There are normally Departmental staff on duty and available outside normal hours in addition to a 24 hour security presence. My Department is open to the public between 10.00am and 2.30pm every Saturday for the tours of Government Buildings. There are a number of other channels available which can be utilised by our customers to communicate with my Department, such as e-mail, website feedback forms, post and fax.

The opening hours for the CSO offices in Cork and Rathmines are 9.15am to 5.30pm Monday to Thursday and 9.15am to 5.15pm on Friday. These opening times were reviewed when the CSO updated its Customer Service Action Plan for 2007 to 2009. The outcome of this review was to increase the opening times for the library in the Rathmines office, which is open from 9.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday and is closed for lunch each day from 1.00pm to 1.30pm. CSO telephone lines are open at the above times.

The CSO website (www.cso.ie) plays an ever-increasing role in publishing statistics and provides "always on" access to all the CSO's statistical releases and publications. The CSO Customer Service Action Plan 2007-2009 is also published on the website.

The offices of the National Economic and Social Development Office are open from 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday. They are closed for lunch between 1.00pm and 2.00pm. A receptionist is on duty while the office is open and answers telephone calls coming in to NESDO's direct line (01- 8146300). If the receptionist is off duty for any reason, there is a system in place where the caller is presented with options to select one of the constituent bodies (NESDO, NESC, NESF or NCPP) by dialling a digit.

The call is automatically forwarded to staff in the body selected. After 5.00pm, NEDSO has a pre-recorded message informing the caller that the office is closed, the official opening hours and inviting the caller to leave a message if they wish. Messages are monitored by the receptionist the morning of the following working day and relayed to the relevant staff.

NESDO has a direct dial in facility i.e. if the caller knows the extension of the person they wish to talk to, they can phone that number directly without going through reception. While the official opening hours are 9.00am to 5.00pm as stated above, there are normally staff in the office from 7.30 am through to 6.30 pm as the office operates flexitime. It also has a recorded message facilities on all staff phones. Staff can access these messages when they return to their desks, or indeed by phoning in to their extension from outside.

Departmental Correspondence.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

151 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Taoiseach the official forms issued by his Department for use by the public and business which can be completed on-line; the forms which can not; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32044/07]

While my Department has a relatively low level of interaction with the general public and the business sector, we encourage feedback via our Customer Service Feedback form. This is available on the Department of the Taoiseach website — www.taoiseach.gov.ie. This facility offers customers an on-line option for submitting:

Business queries;

Website suggestions;

Customer complaints; and

Other queries.

Once received by the Department's webmaster emailing service, the query is forwarded to the relevant Division for appropriate action.

Similarly, customers who wish to make on-line contact with my Department in Irish can do so using the ‘Gaeilge' mailbox that is also available on the website.

There is a facility on the Department's website whereby a Freedom of Information application can be completed and submitted on-line. Freedom of Information applications can also be made to my Department by written/postal request.

The Information Society Policy Unit (ISPU), on behalf of my Department, manages the Access, Skills and Content (ASC) Initiative. The ASC Initiative has provided funding for community and voluntary groups and not-for-profit organisations. The application form for this funding initiative can be downloaded from the Department of the Taoiseach website and can also be obtained directly from the ISPU office. The form cannot currently be completed on-line, as the relatively low level of use of this scheme is considered to be insufficient to justify the expense of providing a full on-line facility.

Suppliers of goods and services to my Department are required to complete an official form that facilitates payments being made directly to their bank accounts via electronic fund transfer. Suppliers can have the form forwarded to them through either email, fax or post. Once completed, the form can be returned by email, fax or post. This form cannot be completed on-line as an original signature is required from each company when setting up an electronic fund transfer facility.

Questions Nos. 152 and 153 answered with Question No. 150.

Departmental Records.

Damien English

Question:

154 Deputy Damien English asked the Taoiseach the way his Department disposes of redundant information technology equipment; if he is satisfied that all stored information has been removed prior to disposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32355/07]

My Department wipes the information off all hard drives of redundant information technology equipment using a specialist software product. In addition to this, the hard drives are removed from all information technology equipment prior to being sent for destruction. These hard drives are retained in a secure location in my Department at present awaiting supervised physical destruction in the near future.

Departmental Staff.

Damien English

Question:

155 Deputy Damien English asked the Taoiseach the number of press officers that are employed in his Department, employed in each agency reporting to his Department, were employed in his Department in 2002 and were employed in each agency reporting to his Department in 2002; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [32370/07]

There are four Press Officers currently employed in my Department. The same number were employed in my Department in 2002. None of the agencies reporting to my Department employ Press Officers.

Departmental Websites.

Damien English

Question:

156 Deputy Damien English asked the Taoiseach if podcasts are available for download by members of the public on websites maintained by his Department and its agencies; if not, his plans to introduce podcasts as a communications tool; if so, the number of times a podcast has been downloaded to date in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32385/07]

One podcast was made available to members of the public for download from my Department's main website (www.taoiseach.gov.ie) in May 2007. This dealt with my address to the Joint Houses of Parliament in Westminster and there were 413 downloads in the month following its publication. The Government Press Office continually monitors developments in communications technology and may use various forms of such technology on a case by case basis.

The Better Regulation (www.betterregulation.ie) and Better Government (www.bettergov.ie) websites are not currently set up for this facility and a high level of demand for this service is not foreseen as no such requests have been made to date. Similarly, there were no podcasts on the Active Citizenship website (www.activecitizen.ie) in 2007.

The NESDO group of websites (www.nesdo.ie, www.nesc.ie, www.nesf.ie, and www.ncpp.ie) do not presently offer a podcast service. However, the National Centre for Partnership and Performance (NCPP) are planning a major revamp of their website over the coming months. It is planned to make podcasts available, where appropriate, when the new site goes ‘live'. Once the NCPP work is complete, a review of the rest of the NESDO group will take place, with a view to making this service available in these sites also.

Departmental Properties.

Damien English

Question:

157 Deputy Damien English asked the Taoiseach the works or measures that have taken place in 2007 to make his departmental buildings more environmentally friendly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32400/07]

The Office of Public Works is currently actively engaged in a strategy to reduce Carbon Dioxide emissions and the State's dependency on fossil fuels. A major element of this strategy is an Energy Awareness Campaign by the Office of Public Works, which will be rolled out in 2008, in which my Department will be actively involved.

During the summer of 2007, the Office of Public Works installed web-based energy monitoring units throughout Government Buildings which monitor and record electrical and heating fuel consumption every 15 minutes. The target is to reduce carbon emissions in each building by 15% through local energy conservation campaigns, energy workshops and close monitoring of the performance of heating/air conditioning equipment. Staff will be able to monitor the energy reductions in their building via the Internet site.

Allied to this strategy, my Department has developed its own energy conservation programme which is supported at the highest level, in order to build on its existing green measures. This programme will put in place a number of additional mechanisms such as:

The establishment of a Government Buildings Complex Energy Committee to engage collectively with the Office of Public Works consultants to roll out the planned awareness programme;

Expanding the remit of my Department's current functioning "Green Committee" to take on the energy campaign with proactive IT engagement;

To develop an ongoing energy efficiency campaign in conjunction with the Office of Public Works;

To focus in particular on electricity usage by targeting the switching off of computers and other electrical equipment, when not required;

Intensify the ongoing programme of replacing all light bulbs with the most energy efficient devices on the market; and

Target the most energy efficient, when purchasing new equipment.

Throughout 2007, my Department has continued to review and expand its existing Green and recycling measures. All paper and cardboard waste is recycled.

Redundant machinery (photocopiers, fax machines, shredders, etc) is disposed of in compliance with the Waste Management (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Regulations 2005. In disposing of PCs, a number are given, free of charge, to various charities and schools/community groups.

The Department also has arrangements in place for the recycling of glass, cans, plastic bottles, mobiles phones, toners, batteries, CD's, DVD's, CD/DVD cases, diskettes and Bio waste.

Tax Code.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

158 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will introduce an equivalent scheme to the taxsaver commuter tickets scheme which would encourage employers to purchase bicycles and electric bicycles for the transportation of their employees to work particularly in rural areas where public transportation is lacking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31952/07]

There is provision in the existing Benefit-in-Kind arrangements to allow an employer to provide an employee with a small benefit to a value not exceeding €250 in any one year without applying PAYE and PRSI to that benefit. If the €250 limit is exceeded in any year the employee must pay tax on the total value of any such benefits.

The purchase by an employer of a bicycle for an employee could be covered by this provision, subject to this €250 limit on the value of such benefits in any tax year.

As the Deputy is aware, it is a long standing tradition that the Minister for Finance does not comment on taxation matters in advance of the annual Budget.

Decentralisation Programme.

John O'Mahony

Question:

159 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance when it is expected that work will start on the building of the new offices of the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in Charlestown, County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31964/07]

John O'Mahony

Question:

160 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the present position with regard to the procurement of a site for the offices of the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in Charlestown, County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31965/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 159 and 160 together.

The Commissioners of Public Works have informed me that they are currently assessing a number of sites in Charlestown, County Mayo as potential locations for the new offices of the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and that negotiations for the acquisition of a suitable site are now underway.

When a site has been acquired, tenders to build the new offices will be invited from interested parties.

EU Funding.

Joe McHugh

Question:

161 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the work that has taken place on proposals under the new INTERREG programme for north/south and east/west co-operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32142/07]

ERDF-funded INTERREG programmes are intended to address the economic and social disadvantage that can result from the existence of a border, either land or maritime. During the period 2007-2013 these programmes will take place under the EU's European Territorial Cooperation Objective 3; and that also during this period Ireland will participate in all of the three strands of the Objective 3 programmes, cross-border, transnational, and interregional. These programmes will address issues in all parts of the EU.

Ireland will participate in two cross-border programmes, the Ireland/Northern Ireland/Western Scotland Programme, and the Ireland/Wales Programme. The programme of most relevance to Ireland in terms of scale and expenditure will be the Ireland/Northern Ireland/Western Scotland Programme. This Programme is designed to support strategic cross-border cooperation for a more prosperous region and will improve access to services to enhance the quality of life. This Programme will have EU funding of €192 million.

The Ireland/Wales Programme, which is primarily a maritime cross-border programme, will be aimed achieving a sustainable development by a progressive integration of local economic, social and environmental development. The Programme will have EU funding of €52.7 million.

Ireland will also participate in three transnational programmes. These are the Atlantic Area Programme which will include Ireland, UK, part of west France, northern Spain and Portugal. The programme will have EU funding of €104 million.

The North West Europe Programme will include Ireland, the UK, northern France, Benelux countries, part of Germany and part of Switzerland. The programme will have EU funding of €335 million. For the period 2007-2013 Ireland will for the first time also participate in the Northern Periphery Programme which will include the south and west coast of Ireland, Northern Ireland, part of Scotland, parts of Sweden and Finland and the non-Member States of Greenland, Iceland and Faroe Islands. This programme will have EU funding of €35 million.

Finally, Ireland will participate in the interregional Programme which covers all 27 EU Member States as well as Norway and Switzerland. The programme will have EU funding of €321 million.

Departmental Correspondence.

Brendan Kenneally

Question:

162 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the mechanism open to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford to vindicate their constitutional rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32437/07]

I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that correspondence and meetings in this case date back to 1998. The individual expressed dissatisfaction with the fact that his name had been incorrectly associated with a particular vehicle. As deletion of the entry was not an option at the stage Revenue were advised of the matter, a specific endorsement was added to the vehicle record, which clearly stated that the individual was not the owner of the vehicle at the time of registration by the Revenue Commissioners. This entry was made for the purpose of addressing the specific concerns expressed by the individual. This action was the correct and only course of action available.

The individual remained dissatisfied and was invited to meet with another Revenue official to resolve his dissatisfaction. The individual was invited to prepare text for insertion into the registration file that would reflect his view of the factual position and address his concerns about the adequacy of the original note. The text provided by the individual now appears as an endorsement on the vehicle record.

No action taken by the Office of the Revenue Commissioners breached the Constitution. Over the space of nine years the Office of the Revenue Commissioners has at all times addressed the concerns raised by the individual in a consultative and cooperative manner.

Departmental Staff.

Brian Hayes

Question:

163 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of civil servants in each of the one to five performance brackets under the performance management and development system in 2006; the target allocation for each bracket in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31914/07]

In 2005, on foot of commitments in Sustaining Progress, management and unions reached agreement on the integration of the Performance Management and Development System (PMDS) for the Civil Service with wider HR policies and processes, including assessment systems. In particular the ratings resulting from annual assessments will, in addition to their use for staff development purposes, now be linked to the awarding of annual increments, assignments to higher scales and access to promotion competitions. The annual assessment is based on a uniform five-point scale for all grades.

The integrated Performance Management and Development System was introduced in 2006 for training and familiarisation purposes only. Ratings based on assessments for 2007 (which have not yet been completed) will inform decisions relating to increments, higher scales and promotion. There is no target allocation for each rating. It would be expected that the greatest number of staff would be in category three, the middle bracket, with remaining staff falling into the other categories.

In any event, I consider that it would be inappropriate to specify by Department the number, or even the proportion, of staff who fall within the various categories. This could compromise both the operation of the Performance Management Development System within the civil service and the management function within individual Departments. In accordance with the arrangements agreed with the civil service unions, a formal evaluation of the revised model will commence in 2009.

Departmental Publications.

Brian Hayes

Question:

164 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if his Department published an annual report in 2007; if not, when his Department plan to publish one; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31929/07]

In accordance with a requirement under the Public Service Management Act 1997, the Department publishes an annual progress report on its Statement of Strategy. The latest annual report, in respect of the year 2006, was published in July 2007.

Departmental Business Planning.

Brian Hayes

Question:

165 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the status of the working group set up to develop a pilot model linking strategy statements and business plans to resource allocation, output/outcome indicators and performance management; when did this group complete its report; if it was published; the key conclusions of the report; if a plan was developed to action its conclusions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31936/07]

The Report of the Pilot Project on Resource Allocation, Business Planning and Performance Measurement was presented to me in August 2005, the same month that the inter-departmental working group completed its work. The conclusions and recommendations of this report informed Government thinking on reform of the Estimates and Budget process, in particular in relation to the presentation of Annual Output Statements by each Minister, as I announced in Budget 2006.

The Annual Output Statements were presented for the first time earlier this year to assist the Dáil Select Committees with their consideration of the 2007 Estimates. The original template for these Annual Output Statements was developed by the inter-departmental working group referred to by the Deputy and set out in its Report. The Annual Output Statements for 2007 set out performance output targets by programme area linked to the high level goals in Departments' Strategy Statements and, for 2008 onwards, will set out actual performance against the previous year's output targets, as well as setting out new targets for the year ahead.

While the Report of the Pilot Project was not formally published, copies were widely circulated at the time to Ministers and their Departments, to Opposition Finance spokespersons and to Committee chairpersons to assist them in understanding a major element in the thinking behind the Government's Budgetary reforms.

Departmental Capital Programmes.

Brian Hayes

Question:

166 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if the capital envelope budgeting programme has been used since 2004; the value of capital savings carried over in 2005, 2006 and estimated in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31937/07]

Brian Hayes

Question:

167 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if five year multi-annual investment framework agreements have been created with all Departments; if there is any Department in which this agreement has not been made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31938/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 166 and 167 together.

The Multi-Annual Capital Investment Framework was announced by my predecessor in Budget 2004 and the capital carryover mechanism was provided for in the 2004 Finance Act. The Multi-Annual Capital Envelopes were set out in the subsequent Budgets, and a revised capital envelope framework was published in tandem with the National Development Plan 2007-2013 in January of this year. I intend to publish a new five-year capital envelope for the 2008-2012 period on Budget Day.

The Multi-Annual Capital Investment Framework applies in respect of capital expenditure across all Votes. All such capital expenditure is subject to the sanction of my Department, in line with the "General Conditions of Sanction for Multi Annual Capital Envelopes" as set out in Appendix 3 to my Department's Guidelines for the Appraisal and Management of Capital Expenditure Proposals in the Public Sector of February 2005.

In relation to capital carryover, €236.967m was carried forward from 2004 into 2005, €289.268m was carried forward from 2005 into 2006 and €159.135m was carried forward from 2006 into 2007. The amount of capital carryover from 2007 into 2008 will be announced on Budget Day.

Departmental Offices.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

168 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if his Department has carried out a study of opening hours of public offices under the control or remit of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32004/07]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

177 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the opening hours of his Department’s public offices and public phone lines and if they close for lunch; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32054/07]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

178 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the opening hours for the public offices and telephone lines and if they close for lunch for each of the agencies and State bodies that are under the control of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32069/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 168, 177 and 178 together.

The following table contains the details of the opening hours for public offices and telephone lines in respect of my Department and the agencies and state bodies associated with my Department. A formal study has not been carried out into the opening hours of public offices under the remit of my Department.

In relation to my Department itself, the opening hours are from 8:00am until 7:00pm and phonelines operate throughout this period.

Organisation

Public Office

Opening times for public offices and telephone lines

Closed during lunch

Department of Finance

NDP/CSF Information Office

10 am to 4:30 pm Lo-call telephone number is available during opening hours.

yes

Ordnance Survey Ireland

Map Sales Office

9 am to 4:15 pm Phone lines remain open to 4:45 pm Monday to Thursday and to 4:30 pm on Friday

no

Valuation Office

Public office

9:15 am to 4.30 pm Telephone lines operate up to 5:30 pm. A messaging service is available after office hours.

no

Valuation Tribunal

Public office

9:15 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday. Telephones are staffed between these hours. Telephone answering service is provided during lunch hour.

yes

Public Appointments Service

Public office

9:15 am to 5:30 pm Monday to Thursday 9:15 am to 5:15 pm on Friday Telephones operate for the duration of office hours.

no

Commission for Public Service Appointments

Public office

9:15 am to 5:30 pm Monday to Thursday 9:15 am to 5:15 pm on Friday Telephones operate during these Hours.

no

Office of the Revenue Commissioners

Public offices

Generally open 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. Phone lines generally open between 9:30 am and 5:00 pm and during lunchtime Local offices may vary the opening hours to reflect the level of local demand. Examples local office arrangements are: O’Connell St., Dublin and Hibernian House, Galway open from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm Dublin Port office opens from 8:00 am to 5 pm Offices in Shannon Cargo Port and Cork Airport are open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm In the case of some local offices which deal with a significantly smaller volume of phone calls, telephone lines generally open between 9:15 am and 4:00 pm and close during lunch.

no

Departmental Expenditure.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

169 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the amount of expenditure of public funds by county for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32017/07]

Information is not collected in such a way as to show a breakdown of public expenditure by county.

Tax Yield.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

170 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the VAT take from each county for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32018/07]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

171 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the inheritance tax take from each county for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32019/07]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

172 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the capital gains tax take from each county for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32020/07]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

173 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the corporation profits tax take from each county for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32021/07]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

174 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the stamp duty take from each county for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32022/07]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

175 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the income tax take from each county for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32023/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 170 to 175, inclusive, together.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the exact information sought for all taxes on a county basis is not available. Revenue Sheriffs, County Registrars or their officers operate for the purposes of enforcement of tax debt within certain geographical boundaries known as a "bailiwick" which equates geographically with "county". Data on the net receipts of most taxes can be linked to bailiwicks to provide an estimated breakdown of receipts on a county basis.

The following tables set out the estimated breakdown of net receipts for Income Tax (PAYE & non-PAYE), VAT (Domestic), Corporation Tax, and Capital Gains Tax. Basic data is not recorded in such a manner as would enable a breakdown by county to be provided in respect of the yield from Stamp Duties, Capital Acquisitions Tax (including Inheritance Tax), Customs, Excise and VAT at the point of Import.

In considering the data it should be noted that the amount of tax attributed to a county may not necessarily be an indication of economic activity in that county for any of the following reasons:

1.The liability of a trader to VAT is generally dealt with by reference to the location of the trader's registered office even though the economic activity may be carried on in another county.

2.An employer's liability for PAYE is normally attributed to the county in which wages and salaries are paid, even though the employees may work in different counties.

3.Companies are associated on the tax record with the county address of the head-office or branch with which contact is established for tax purposes, which may be different to the city or county addresses of other branches. The distribution of corporate tax between regions can also vary from year to year as companies relocate.

4.Self-employed persons are associated on the tax record with the address at which the business is located, which may be in a different county to the home address.

Estimated breakdown of tax collection by county for 2002

County

INCOME TAX

PAYE

Non-PAYE

VAT (domestic)

Corporation tax

Capital Gains tax

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

Carlow

35.6

21.1

45.1

20.4

4.6

Cavan

67.1

19.4

64.5

12.3

4

Clare

93

36.5

78.8

93.4

7.8

Donegal

67.7

49.7

99.7

24.1

8.3

Galway

302.5

97.6

219.1

95.5

25.4

Kerry

92.4

57.6

103

29.8

10.7

Kildare

178.6

91.1

210

258.6

31.1

Kilkenny

111.3

36.5

76.7

16

6

Laois

23.9

22.7

46.9

7.2

4.3

Leitrim

47.5

8.7

15

1.8

1

Limerick

227.6

78.7

203.7

146.6

12.1

Longford

19.4

11.9

23.4

4.8

2.5

Louth

95.2

40.4

165.1

60.8

13.8

Mayo

73.6

45.3

91.9

43.2

8.1

Meath

115.3

81.2

146.2

29.5

26

Monaghan

30.8

18.3

51.9

11.7

4.5

Offaly

64.6

23.2

50

11

3.6

Roscommon

21.9

34.9

38.4

7.2

2.3

Sligo

73.2

22.2

38.8

24.7

10.7

Tipperary

96.6

68

140.5

253

12.3

Waterford

104.7

44.6

96.5

35.7

6.4

Westmeath

333.4

33.7

72.7

21.5

7.4

Wexford

80.2

61.6

129

48.4

12

Wicklow

92.6

78.7

119.2

30.7

29.7

Dublin

3,638.8

906

4,529.2

3,068.5

306.6

Cork

564.7

231.3

631.4

297.4

45

Not classified

73.1

32.6

404.4

149.9

12.7

Totals

6,725.3

2,253.5

7,891.3

4,803.8

619

Estimated breakdown of tax collection by county for 2003

County

INCOME TAX

PAYE

Non-PAYE

VAT (domestic)

Corporation tax

Capital Gains tax

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

Carlow

39.7

17.1

52

16.4

10.5

Cavan

72.3

17.1

84.8

18.5

8.8

Clare

124.8

32.1

89.5

43.6

15.4

Donegal

71.6

38.7

112.7

17.5

18.4

Galway

328.6

90.7

266.5

68.6

71.3

Kerry

253.4

51.6

123.4

26.3

24.7

Kildare

214

80.6

259.7

158.9

89.4

Kilkenny

129.8

33.5

87

11.4

15.9

Laois

26.6

20.3

52.6

5.3

9.9

Leitrim

53.2

7.1

18.4

2.2

1.8

Limerick

239.1

73

221.8

137

46.6

Longford

21.9

10.5

26.1

3.9

3.4

Louth

106.1

35.3

188.5

41.2

21

Mayo

84.7

37.2

118.3

34.3

22.7

Meath

128.3

64

172.7

25.3

79.8

Monaghan

32.5

15.5

61.7

11.2

5.9

Offaly

81.8

19.4

62.9

9.3

14.9

Roscommon

22.6

15.5

42.4

4.8

6.8

Sligo

77

18.7

45.9

19.8

12.5

Tipperary

98.5

58

164

226.5

23.8

Waterford

116.9

39.9

108.4

35

29.5

Westmeath

222.1

28.8

82.2

18.9

32.3

Wexford

83

50.4

150.6

34.5

28.5

Wicklow

107.7

64.6

130.6

233.5

42.7

Dublin

3,793.6

789.5

4,881.1

3,450.6

610.2

Cork

603.9

214.1

711.7

381.6

140.2

Not classified

75.5

23.4

473.4

119.2

48.7

Totals

7,209.3

1,946.9

8,788.8

5,155.4

1,435.7

Estimated breakdown of tax collection by county for 2004

County

INCOME TAX

PAYE

Non-PAYE

VAT (domestic)

Corporation tax

Capital Gains tax

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

Carlow

49.5

24

57.9

17.9

11.2

Cavan

83.2

22.3

92.2

25.4

14.2

Clare

144.8

43.9

94.5

78.3

21.9

Donegal

76.6

50.5

120.7

25.5

27.3

Galway

378.5

122.1

288.6

100.4

79

Kerry

286.3

68.7

133

39.2

33.1

Kildare

256.2

109.7

295.9

139.7

77.2

Kilkenny

147.6

44.8

96.3

12.6

16.3

Laois

32.5

29.3

63.9

7.7

11.1

Leitrim

61.4

10.4

19.8

2.2

3.7

Limerick

276.1

89.1

244.5

169.7

33.9

Longford

25

14.5

31.7

5

6.4

Louth

117.6

45.6

216.2

90.7

37.9

Mayo

97.3

51

126

31.3

23.8

Meath

156.1

100.9

198.6

33.4

67.4

Monaghan

38.1

17.7

67

14

7.5

Offaly

95.8

27.6

63.7

10.1

20.3

Roscommon

27.6

24

60.1

10.2

10.1

Sligo

84.8

25.2

47.3

16

15.3

Tipperary

113.4

75.2

159.1

411.6

20.4

Waterford

131.8

53.8

127.8

36.4

28.8

Westmeath

443.7

38.3

97.3

22.8

26.7

Wexford

98.5

67.8

145.6

37.1

37.9

Wicklow

128.2

84.7

148.8

93.5

52.5

Dublin

4,016.2

1,027.9

5,514.8

3,295.7

629.8

Cork

664

283.2

729.2

491.9

155.6

Not classified

80.2

31.8

455.7

116.8

58.7

Totals

8,111

2,584

9,696.2

5,335

1,527.8

Estimated breakdown of tax collection by county for 2005

County

INCOME TAX

PAYE

Non-PAYE

VAT (domestic)

Corporation tax

Capital Gains tax

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

Carlow

53.3

24.6

66.1

12.6

13.3

Cavan

87.6

25.8

108.7

42

25.3

Clare

150.9

47.7

98.5

111.2

25.5

Donegal

85

54.3

130.9

28.9

33.4

Galway

411.2

129

333.5

103.7

104.2

Kerry

301

72.7

149.6

42

39.6

Kildare

268.7

117.1

348.7

127.8

119

Kilkenny

157.3

48.6

106.3

18.1

23.7

Laois

35.7

29.6

70.5

11.1

22.9

Leitrim

61.6

9.1

23.7

2.9

4.5

Limerick

311.7

94.1

284.5

212.2

46.1

Longford

28.9

14.1

34.5

8.3

7.7

Louth

126.5

48.6

236.8

84.4

48.6

Mayo

104.3

53.8

140.5

50.7

36.5

Meath

174.4

102.5

216.1

43.1

87.7

Monaghan

42.1

20.6

77.9

17.9

9.4

Offaly

102.7

30.5

73.2

14.9

18

Roscommon

29.7

29.7

58.1

9

15.6

Sligo

83.3

27.6

52.2

19.3

20.2

Tipperary

120.7

82.7

181

99.2

36.7

Waterford

135.7

59.5

132.8

49.3

35.2

Westmeath

461.6

41.1

107.7

27.7

42.8

Wexford

110.1

74.1

167.8

51.2

42.5

Wicklow

136.3

90.5

179.2

57.6

81.7

Dublin

4,263.6

1,043.7

6,146.3

3,524.9

769.1

Cork

713.2

293.9

850.1

506.7

188.8

Not classified

80.3

36.4

533.1

226.6

83.9

Totals

8,637.4

2,702

10,908.3

5,503.2

1,982

Estimated breakdown of tax collection by county for 2006

County

INCOME TAX

PAYE

Non-PAYE

VAT (domestic)

Corporation tax

Capital Gains tax

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

Carlow

70.4

25.2

76.7

17.4

29.2

Cavan

94.9

28.5

123.3

60.1

30.6

Clare

163.8

53.2

114.3

101.5

57.2

Donegal

89.1

56.5

147

33.7

52.3

Galway

439.5

143.2

374.3

122.2

155.5

Kerry

324.7

80.7

173.6

38.7

56.7

Kildare

291.8

156.4

414.5

164

229.7

Kilkenny

169.6

49.7

119.6

29.1

37.1

Laois

39.2

33.7

81.3

13.8

39.2

Leitrim

65.5

11.9

25.2

6.4

8.4

Limerick

334.7

115.5

301.4

147.7

83.6

Longford

32.2

15.5

39.5

12.1

11

Louth

139.6

50.5

247.2

77.6

75.1

Mayo

110.3

58.1

153

42.8

50.9

Meath

195.8

113.6

258.6

59.7

131.5

Monaghan

45.8

21.9

83.1

20.1

21.2

Offaly

115.5

37

84.5

17

40.6

Roscommon

32.1

25.9

65.5

9.5

13.2

Sligo

97.9

28.5

61.4

39.4

39.5

Tipperary

130

89.1

195.3

101.5

60.6

Waterford

141.7

65.8

142.7

56.3

51.6

Westmeath

484.5

52.2

123.6

27.2

47.2

Wexford

117.7

80.5

196.5

57.1

82.9

Wicklow

144.9

93.9

182.8

84.3

133.2

Dublin

4,657.5

1,143

6,674.6

4,449.6

1,165.8

Cork

763

321.1

930.9

619.7

331.9

Not Classified

96.8

35.2

591.9

276.1

63.5

Totals

9,388.6

2,986.3

11,982.3

6,684.6

3,099.2

Departmental Correspondence.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

176 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the official forms issued by his Department for use by the public and business which can be completed on-line; the forms which cannot; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32039/07]

In response to the Deputy's question the following are details of the forms issued by my Department for use by the public and business which can and cannot be completed on line. The facility to complete forms online is determined by the requirements and nature of the form.

On the Department's website www.finance.gov.ie , there are two forms that can be completed online dealing with customer enquiries and customer feedback.

In addition there are a number of forms that can be downloaded from websites operated by my Department, although they cannot be completed online i.e. a Freedom of Information application form can be downloaded from the Freedom of Information central policy unit website www.foi.gov.ie and can also be found on the Department's own website. In relation to the National Public Procurement Policy Unit, forms dealing with public works contracts can be downloaded from the website

www.constructionprocurement.gov.ie.

The Department also issues a large number of forms relating to pension payments by the Paymaster General's Office which cannot be filled in online as these forms require an official signature by the applicant and third parties as appropriate.

Questions Nos. 177 and 178 answered with Question No. 168.

Flood Relief.

Michael Ring

Question:

179 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if in relation to a previous parliamentary question (details supplied) the proposed survey has taken place; the outcome of same; and the action that will be taken to reduce the flooding risk in the future at this location. [32115/07]

A survey was carried out by the Office of Public Works and an option to address the flood problem at Belcarra has been identified. The OPW will now contact Mayo County Council to explore the feasibility of this option.

Tax Code.

Richard Bruton

Question:

180 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if tax relief is claimable by a person in respect of the cost of any out of pocket costs of a home care package approved by a public health nurse or a discharging hospital. [32117/07]

Home care packages deliver a wide range of services and may vary according to the care needs of the person so that, for example, there might be a greater emphasis in some packages on home care assistants while other packages may require a greater level of therapy and nursing. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that, in the context of care for elderly or ill individuals, the question of tax relief arises, generally, under three main headings — (a) tax relief in respect of health expenses; (b) tax relief, in cases of serious illness, where qualified nurses are engaged on the advice of a medical practitioner to provide constant nursing care in the patient's home; and (c) a tax deduction for employing a person to take care of an incapacitated individual. In all cases the relief may be claimed in relation to unreimbursed health expenses only. In the context of the Deputy's question, therefore, these reliefs do not arise if the costs are met by a home care package from the Health Service Executive.

The normal health expenses rules under section 469 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 apply in respect of the costs incurred by an individual in respect of qualifying health expenses, including where the individual has to incur such expenses in the context of a home care package. Tax relief may be claimed on qualifying unreimbursed health expenses paid by an individual and, for tax years up to 2006 inclusive, this relief is restricted to those health expenses incurred by the individual in respect of himself or herself, and his or her qualifying dependants. However, this requirement for a defined relationship is abolished in respect of claims for 2007 and subsequent tax years meaning that an individual can claim tax relief in respect of health expenses paid by him or her on behalf of any other individual. For tax years up to 2006 inclusive, the first €125 of any health expenses incurred by the taxpayer, or in the case of an individual claiming relief in respect of two or more persons the first €250, does not qualify for relief. However, for 2007 and subsequent tax years, relief is available in respect of all qualifying health expenses. Medical expenses relief may be claimed by logging onto the Revenue website www.revenue.ie and accessing PAYE self-service. Alternatively, an individual can make a manual claim using Form MED 1 (available on the Revenue website). More detail on the tax relief on health expenses is contained in Revenue’s Explanatory Leaflet IT 6 (available on the Revenue website).

Tax relief in respect of the cost of qualified nurses are engaged on the advice of a medical practitioner to provide constant nursing care in the patient's home. In cases of serious illness, where qualified nurses are engaged on the advice of a medical practitioner to provide constant nursing care in the patient's home, tax relief under the heading of health expenses may be allowed in respect of the costs incurred where the following conditions are satisfied:

(i)a medical certificate is provided which—

(a)shows the nature of the patient's illness,

(b)states that constant nursing care by fully-qualified nurses in the patient's home is required, and

(c)covers the full period for which home nursing is being claimed;

(ii)the nurses providing the nursing care are fully qualified and their full names, addresses and qualifications have been supplied;

(iii)details of all payments to the nurses is provided.

Section 467 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides for a tax deduction at an individual's highest rate of tax in respect of the costs incurred by that individual of employing another person (including a person whose services are provided by or through an agency) to take care of himself or herself, a spouse or a relative who, throughout the relevant tax year, is totally incapacitated by reason of physical or mental infirmity. More detail is contained in Revenue's Explanatory Leaflet IT 47 (available on Revenue's website). The amount of the tax deduction is €50,000 for the tax years 2006 and 2007 and €30,000 for previous tax years at the claimant's highest rate of tax or, if lower, the actual amount expended in the relevant tax year in employing the person at the claimant's highest rate of tax. Where a person employs an individual, he or she will have certain legal obligations under tax law as an employer (e.g. the operation of the PAYE system).

Pat Breen

Question:

181 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Clare qualifies under the capital gains tax scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32122/07]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the taxpayer in question filed a self-assessed CGT return in respect of the tax year 2005 and duly paid the resulting liability. Specific information relating to the disposal was not supplied at the time. Retirement Relief is available for CGT purposes on disposals of business assets/part of the business assets and full relief is available where the consideration does not exceed €750,000 (€500,000 in 2005) from gains accruing to an individual aged 55 years and over, on such disposals. In the case of business assets, they must have been owned and used by the individual in the business throughout a ten-year period ending on the date of disposal. The Revenue Commissioners do not hold any evidence that the person concerned carried out a farming business prior to the disposal of the site in 2005. If the person considers himself eligible for the relief as outlined above he should contact Clare Revenue District, Kilrush Road, Ennis in this regard.

Ministerial Expenses.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

182 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the cost of living expenses awarded to the Taoiseach, Ministers, Ministers of State and TDs in 2006; and the increases per year of living expenses for the aforementioned since 2002. [32125/07]

A list of out-of-pocket expenses payable to Oireachtas Members and Officeholders is set out below. The rates supplied are the rates that applied in 2002 and there have been no increases in the rates to date. Also set out below are the mileage rates payable to Oireachtas Members and Ministers of State for the years 2002, 2003, 2005 and 2006. There was no increase in the mileage rates in 2004. Members of the Oireachtas are also entitled to other allowances; 1,750 prepaid envelopes per month, the cost of tele-messages up to an annual limit of €952.30; free telephone calls from Leinster House, provision of €750 every 18 months to support the purchase of mobile phones including a car kit and the recoupment of the cost of non-personal mobile telephone costs while Members are abroad on official business up to a maximum of €25 per day. Finally, it should be noted that while the Minister for Finance is the regulatory authority for these allowances the day-to-day administration and payment of the expense allowances are dealt with by the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission, and are not matters in which the Minister has a direct function.

A general expense allowance is payable to Officeholders, TDs and Senators. This allowance is designed to reimburse Oireachtas members for the additional expense of being an Officeholder, TD or Senator not already encompassed by the other allowances/expenses. The current annual rates are: TDs, €5,482.73; Senators, €4,112.68; Taoiseach, €14,595.64; Tánaiste, Ministers and Ceann Comhairle, €13,390.66; Ministers of State and Leas-Cheann Comhairle, €12,170.44; Cathaoirleach, Leas-Chathaoirleach and Leader of the Seanad, €9,128.15.

The overnight allowance is available to TDs and Senators, in certain circumstances, who live more than 15 miles from Leinster House and who are not in receipt of the daily travel allowance. The allowance is intended to provide a Member with accommodation where they propose to attend a meeting the next day or attend a meeting which terminates too late to allow the member to return home on the same day. The current rate is €139.67 per night. A member who lives within 15 miles of Leinster House is entitled to claim a flat-rate daily travel allowance for each day on which the Member attends Leinster House. The current rate is €61.53 per day. The constituency office allowance provides a one-off grant towards the cost of setting up a constituency office and an annual grant for the running cost of the office. The current rates are — one-off grant, €8,888.17; and Annual Grant, €8,888.17 per annum. The purpose of the Constituency Travel Allowance is to compensate Dáil deputies for travel which they are obliged to undertake within their constituencies by virtue of their position as public representatives. Three different rates of allowances are provided to reflect the different travel requirements of constituencies: Category A, €2,745.17 per annum; Category B, €5,489.08 per annum; and Category C, €8,782.78 per annum. The Constituency Office Telephone Allowance provides Members of the Oireachtas with an allowance toward the telephone costs incurred by virtue of their position as public representatives. The Current Rate for TDs is €6,348.69 per annum and for Senators is €4,761.52 per annum. New arrangements regarding the payment of the Special Secretarial Allowance were put in place by Statutory Instrument 84/2005. Depending on which option the Member chooses under Statutory Instrument 84/2005, a Member may be entitled to retain the unvouched portion of the Special Secretarial Allowance. The Current Rates are: TDs, €8,888.17 per annum; and Senators, €6,666.12 per annum.

MOTOR/MILEAGE RATES FOR OIREACHTAS MEMBERS 2002 TO 2006

Motor Mileage Rates: Effective from 1 January 2002

Official Motor Travel in a calendar year

Engine Capacity up to 1200cc

Engine Capacity 1201cc to 1500cc

Engine Capacity 1501cc and over

Up to 4000 miles

79.70 cent

93.04 cent

108.23 cent

4001 and over

40.86 cent

46.75 cent

50.32 cent

Motor Mileage Rates: Effective from 1 January 2003

Official Motor Travel in a calendar year

Engine Capacity up to 1200cc

Engine Capacity 1201cc to 1500cc

Engine Capacity 1501cc and over

Up to 4000 miles

83.92 cent

97.91 cent

116.39 cent

4001 and over

42.47 cent

48.77 cent

54.30 cent

Motor Mileage Rates: Effective from 1 July 2005

Official Motor Travel in a calendar year

Engine Capacity up to 1200cc

Engine Capacity 1201cc to 1500cc

Engine Capacity 1501cc and over

Up to 4000 miles

83.92 cent

97.91 cent

124.23 cent

4001 and over

42.47 cent

48.77 cent

57.39 cent

Motor Mileage Rates: Effective from 1 July 2006

Official Motor Travel in a calendar year

Engine Capacity up to 1200cc

Engine Capacity 1201cc to 1500cc

Engine Capacity 1501cc and over

Up to 4000 miles

83.92 cent

99.22 cent

126.01 cent

4001 and over

43.39 cent

49.81 cent

58.97 cent

MOTOR/MILEAGE RATES FOR MINISTERS OF STATE 2002 TO 2006

Motor Mileage Rates: Effective from 1 January 2002

Official Motor Travel in a calendar year

Engine Capacity up to 1200cc

Engine Capacity 1201cc to 1500cc

Engine Capacity 1501cc to 2000cc

Engine Capacity 2001cc and over

0-4000 miles

79.70 cent

93.04 cent

108.23 cent

129.88 cent

4001 miles & over

40.86 cent

46.75 cent

50.32 cent

60.38 cent

Motor Mileage Rates: Effective from 1 January 2003

Official Motor Travel in a calendar year

Engine Capacity up to 1200cc

Engine Capacity 1201cc to 1500cc

Engine Capacity 1501cc to 2000cc

Engine Capacity 2001cc and over

0-4000 miles

83.92 cent

97.91 cent

116.39 cent

139.67 cent

4001 miles & over

42.47 cent

48.77 cent

54.30 cent

65.15 cent

Motor Mileage Rates: Effective from 1 July 2005

Official Motor Travel in a calendar year

Engine Capacity up to 1200cc

Engine Capacity 1201cc to 1500cc

Engine Capacity 1501cc to 2000cc

Engine Capacity 2001cc and over

0-4000 miles

83.92 cent

97.91 cent

124.23 cent

149.08 cent

4001 miles & over

42.47 cent

48.77 cent

57.39 cent

68.87 cent

Motor Mileage Rates: Effective from 1 July 2006

Official Motor Travel in a calendar year

Engine Capacity up to 1200cc

Engine Capacity 1201cc to 1500cc

Engine Capacity 1501cc to 2000cc

Engine Capacity 2001cc and over

0-4000 miles

83.92 cent

99.22 cent

126.01 cent

151.21 cent

4001 miles & over

43.39 cent

49.81 cent

58.97 cent

70.76 cent

School Transport.

P. J. Sheehan

Question:

183 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if the fuel rebate in relation to school transport is to be removed; if so, when; if he will address the concerns of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32126/07]

The 2003 EU Energy Tax Directive incorporated special derogations which allowed specific excise duty reliefs to be applied in a number of Member States. In the Irish context, these derogations allowed for reduced rates to apply to fuel used for public transport services which includes school transport services. While these derogations expired on 31 December 2006, Ireland, along with other Member States, sought retention of its derogations beyond that date. However, the European Commission, who are the deciding authority, have to date refused all such requests. The Commission maintain that, in keeping with the EU Energy Tax Directive, Member States must apply at least the EU minimum rates of excise on fuels in such circumstances and that any further favourable excise treatment is not allowable. In this regard, the Commission's decision was published on its website in March 2007. At the Commission's behest my officials have indicated that Ireland will avail of the forthcoming Finance Bill to make the necessary legislative changes to conform with the Directive. In the circumstances, the relevant line Departments who have primary responsibility in this regard are, in conjunction with my Department, exploring alternative non-tax support mechanisms that could be put in place where appropriate to maintain the assistance currently being provided, subject of course to compatibility with EU State Aid requirements. In the interim the reduced rates applicable to fuel used will be maintained.

Tax Code.

Richard Bruton

Question:

184 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if the rent payment made to local authorities under the shared ownership scheme qualifies for tax relief; and if not, his views on extending this relief to ease the burden for many low income families trying to access affordable housing. [32147/07]

Section 473 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides for relief from income tax for an individual who pays rent in respect of a tenancy of a residential premises which is his/her main residence. The definition of "tenancy" in the tax legislation excludes tenancies in respect of which the person beneficially entitled to the rent is "a housing authority for the purposes of the Housing Act 1966". Therefore, tax relief cannot be claimed in respect of rent paid to a local authority. With regard to extending the relief, it is a longstanding 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.

Niall Collins

Question:

185 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if in the circumstances of capital acquisition tax and stamp duty on inheritances where the case refers to the child of a deceased child, if the child in question has to be under 18 years of age to benefit from reliefs or if there is an age limit involved. [32170/07]

Stamp Duty is not chargeable on inheritances of property. The Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) code includes group thresholds, below which no CAT is liable. The indexed group thresholds applying to an inheritance by a grandchild for 2007 is €49,682 (Group B). However, in the case of a minor child of a deceased child (under 18 years on the date of the inheritance), a higher threshold of €496,824 (Group A) applies. Any other gifts or inheritances that might have been received within the same group by an individual since 5 December 1991 are also taken into account when applying the thresholds for the purposes of calculating CAT. If the total value of all inheritances and gifts received since this date is above the relevant threshold, then a 20% CAT will apply on the difference.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

186 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will make a statement on a matter (details supplied). [32320/07]

The Deputy is referring to the re-introduction of Capital Gains Tax 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 the current levels of 20%. 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.

Road Safety.

Damien English

Question:

187 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will examine the feasibility of removing the VAT on road safety products such as cycling helmets, high visibility clothing and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32337/07]

The VAT rating of goods and services is subject to the requirements of EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply. Under the VAT Directive, Member States may retain the zero rates on goods and services, which have been in place since 1 January 1991, but cannot extend the zero rate to other goods and services. It is therefore not possible under EU law to apply a zero VAT rate to the provision of road safety products. In addition, Member States may only apply the reduced VAT rate to those goods and services which are listed under Annex III of the VAT Directive. While Annex III does specifically list the supply of children's car seats, it does not include other road safety products. The reduced rate cannot therefore be applied to such goods. Therefore the only VAT rate that can apply to the supply of road safety equipment, under EU law, is the standard VAT rate which in Ireland is 21%.

Tax Collection.

Damien English

Question:

188 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the processing time for applications made by businesses or individuals that submitted form TR1, form TR2 and form PREMREG; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [32338/07]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they record information on registrations by reference to their published customer service standard which aims to see 100% of cases registered for these business taxes within five working days of application. The actual performance for the first ten months of this year is as follows:

Tax Registration

Average registered within 5 days

%

TR1 (Income Tax)

95.8

TR 2 (Corporation Tax)

94.7

Prem Reg (Employer registered for PAYE)

94.1

Variations in meeting the standard occur from month to month depending on seasonal factors, mainly the volume of work on hand in each Revenue District. Whether or not the standard is met is also influenced by the quality of the application form. Revenue is examining the possibility of allowing on-line registration using its highly successful Revenue On-Line Service.

Environmental Policy.

Damien English

Question:

189 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the works or measures that have taken place in 2007 to make Áras an Uachtaráin more environmentally friendly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32339/07]

In 2007 the Commissioners of Public Works installed a lift in Áras an Uachtaráin to allow people with varying degrees of ability to access all floors in the main house and East Wing. These works were carried out on foot of a Universal Access Audit of Áras an Uachtaráin undertaken by OPW. The Commissioners of Public Works have also implemented an Energy Conservation Programme in Áras an Uachtaráin that included the installation of a Building Management System to optimise start/stop programmes and temperature controls resulting in lower energy costs. A replacement programme of existing light sources within the building to reduce energy requirements has been completed. Our Historic Properties Division has undertaken various surveys of habitat, wildlife, geology and soils. Tractors in use at Áras an Uachtaráin are now biofuel compatible. Horticultural practices there are compatible with good environmental management. A Sustainability Report has been completed and many of the suggested actions contained therein that are environmentally friendly will be implemented in 2008.

Damien English

Question:

190 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the works or measures that have taken place in 2007 to make Leinster House more environmentally friendly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32340/07]

As part of the overall energy conservation strategy in the Leinster House complex, the Office of Public Works installed extensive sub-metering on both electrical and heating supplies which serve all the various buildings on the campus in 2007. Each of the meters is connected to the OPW web based energy monitoring system. The collected data will form the basis of a major energy awareness campaign to be launched early in 2008.

Tax Yield.

Damien English

Question:

191 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the amount raised from corporation tax from Irish based companies and foreign based companies for each of 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007; if he will provide the information in tabular readable form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32341/07]

It is assumed that the Deputy is referring to Corporation Tax paid in Ireland by Irish-owned companies and foreign-owned companies. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that statistics identifying the amount of Corporation Tax paid by foreign-owned companies are not separately available. The total Exchequer yield from corporation tax in each of the years requested by the Deputy is as follows:

Year

Yield

€ million

2004

5,332

2005

5,492

2006

6,683

2007 (to-end October)

2,964

The end of November 2007 Exchequer returns, including receipts to the end of November for corporation tax, will be published this afternoon and will be available on my Department's website, www.finance.gov.ie.

Departmental Records.

Damien English

Question:

192 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the way his Department disposes of redundant information technology equipment; if he is satisfied that all stored information has been removed prior to disposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32350/07]

My Department disposes of redundant information technology equipment by using services provided by a recycling company that specialises in the safe disposal of this type of equipment. Furthermore, it is the policy of my Department to remove all storage devices from the equipment prior to disposal. The data on these devices is wiped by the IT Unit staff prior to the shredding of the devices by a specialised third party company under the close supervision of staff from my Department.

Departmental Staff.

Damien English

Question:

193 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of press officers that are employed in his Department, employed in each agency reporting to his Department, were employed in his Department in 2002 and were employed in each agency reporting to his Department in 2002; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [32365/07]

I will set out the position in relation to my Department and the Offices for which I have direct responsibility which have posts designated as Press Officers. In other cases, contact with the media is normally dealt with by staff in general service grades or staff in the relevant area of the organisation concerned. The answer does not cover the NTMA or Central Bank which are responsible for their own staffing arrangements.

December 2007

December 2002

Department of Finance

1

1

Office of Public Works

1

1

Office of the Revenue Commissioners

2

2

Departmental Websites.

Damien English

Question:

194 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if podcasts are available for download by members of the public on websites maintained by his Department and its agencies; if not, his plans to introduce podcasts as a communications tool; if so, the number of times a podcast has been downloaded to date in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32380/07]

Podcasts are not available for download by members of the public on websites maintained by my Department and its agencies. However, as with all new technologies, the communications potential of podcasts is being kept under review. In particular, the Office of the Revenue Commissioners examined this and similar technology as part of a continuous review of communications tools in order to enhance the Office's website. Opportunities for use of podcasts are being evaluated and may be considered as part of a scheduled major redesign of the website during 2008.

Departmental Properties.

Damien English

Question:

195 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the works or measures that have taken place in 2007 to make his Departmental buildings more environmentally friendly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32395/07]

As part of an Office of Public Works initiative, my Department will undertake an energy awareness campaign early in 2008 which will include raising awareness among staff of the need to conserve energy, identification of possible improvements in heating systems, and an energy audit. To facilitate the monitoring of the effectiveness of the campaign, monitoring software has been installed in Government Buildings. In the interim, a survey is currently under way of the windows and exterior doorways of the Department's offices in Government Buildings to identify and put in place any necessary measures to reduce heat loss or energy wastage. My Department's new building in Tullamore which opened in 2006 incorporated advanced environmental measures including an intelligent lighting system, heat exchange units, fan coil systems rather than air conditioning units, and a building management system which controls heat output dependent on the ambient temperature in the building.

Energy Resources.

Damien English

Question:

196 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the proposals he has to reduce his Department’s dependency on oil and gas usage; if there is a time-scale for implementing such proposed works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32410/07]

The draft National Energy Efficiency Action Plan sets out the measures that Government may take to achieve at least 20% energy savings across the economy by 2020. The public sector is expected to make a major contribution to achievement of that target, by reducing its energy demand by 33%. As part of this commitment the Office of Public Works is pursuing a three-pronged strategy to reduce Carbon Dioxide emissions from buildings for which the OPW is responsible.

The OPW is embarking on a Heating Fuel Conversion Programme to convert the heating systems in approximately 20 large state buildings from their existing fossil fuel burners (oil/natural gas) to biomass burners. The biomass fuel will be in the form of Wood Pellets. It is estimated that this will result in an equivalent reduction of half a million litres of oil being consumed per annum. The tender process is under way and the programme is due for completion in September 2008. The use of biomass in new buildings is also considered in the design process and where appropriate, is being used as the energy source.

The OPW has invited tenders for the provision of services for an energy awareness campaign for staff in Civil Service offices for which the OPW has a maintenance responsibility. Following assessment of the tenders it is intended to start the campaign early in 2008. It is planned to run the programme for two years by which time it is expected that good practices will be established in the buildings, which it is hoped will lead to ongoing savings in the energy costs. The target is to reduce carbon emissions in each building by 15% through these local energy conservation campaigns, energy workshops and close monitoring of the performance of heating and air conditioning systems, when measured against the data collected by the OPW's web-based energy monitoring system over the past three years. The staff concerned will be able to monitor the energy reductions in their building via an Internet site.

In respect of the Energy Efficient Design of New Buildings, the OPW has a policy of designing naturally ventilated buildings whenever possible. Properly designed naturally ventilated buildings can use up to 66% less energy than equivalent fully air-conditioned types. The use of computer modelling also facilitates the proper design of naturally ventilated buildings by accurately predicting airflows, internal temperatures and internal comfort conditions. This technology is being used by the OPW to optimise energy performance in all new large building projects including the Decentralisation programme.

Public Service Pay.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

197 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the amount of the pay increase paid to An Taoiseach and to each of the members of the Government as a result of the interim increase recommended in Report No. 40 issued by the Review Body in 2005; the increases that were payable to the members of the Government under all other agreements in the period 2000 to 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32419/07]

The tables that follows this reply list the pay rates in place in 2000 and all subsequent pay increases — those arising from national wage agreements, recommendations of the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector and recommendations of the Benchmarking Body — for the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, Ministers and Ministers of State. Report No. 40 of the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector recommended an interim increase of 7.5% for the posts and grades within the ambit of its terms of reference. The Government decided to implement the increase on a phased basis, one half from 1 July 2005 and the balance from 1 January 2006. Report No. 38 of the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector recommended that the salary of a TD should be set at the ordinary maximum of the grade of Principal (standard) in the civil service and should be revised for the future on that basis. Following implementation of this recommendation the salary of TDs in no longer examined by the Review Body. The salaries of the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, Minister and Minister of State are made up of two elements: the office holder's salary plus the Deputy's basic salary. While the Deputy's element of the salary is determined in the manner set out above the office holder's element is examined from time to time by the Review Body on Higher Remuneration. The office holder's salary does not attract increases recommended by the Public Service Benchmarking Body.

General Increases

1.04.00 P2000 Phase 5 1%

1.10.00 PPF Phase 1 5.5%

1.04.01 PPF Phase 2 2%

1.10.01 PPF Phase 3 5.5%

1.10.02 PPF Phase 4 4%

1.01.04 SP Phase 1 3%

Special Increase

25.09.00 R/Body Report No. 38 — Phase 1

1.03.01 R/Body Report No. 38 — Phase 2

1.07.01 R/Body Report No. 38 — Phase 3

1.12.01 PSBB Phase 1

1.04.02 R/Body Report No. 38 — Phase 4

TD — basic

49,753

52,241

55,114

57,739

58,893

62,173

65,592

66,600

71,071

73,914

76,131

Taoiseach

95,709

100,495

106,022

111,070

113,292

119,565

126,141

126,141

132,761

138,072

142,214

TD

49,753

52,241

55,114

57,739

58,605

62,173

65,592

66,600

71,071

73,914

76,131

Total

145,462

152,736

161,136

168,809

171,897

181,738

191,733

192,741

203,832

211,986

218,345

Tánaiste

75,331

79,098

83,448

87,421

89,170

93,841

99,003

99,003

103,931

108,088

111,331

TD

49,753

52,241

55,114

57,739

58,605

62,173

65,592

66,600

71,071

73,914

76,131

Total

125,084

131,339

138,562

145,160

147,775

156,014

164,595

165,603

175,002

182,002

187,462

Ministers

66,335

69,651

73,482

76,982

78,522

81,686

86,178

86,178

89,516

93,097

95,890

TD

49,753

52,241

55,114

57,739

58,605

62,173

65,592

66,600

71,071

73,914

76,131

Total

116,088

121,892

128,596

134,721

137,127

143,859

151,770

152,778

160,587

167,011

172,021

Minister of State

29,796

31,286

33,007

34,578

35,270

36,148

38,137

38,137

39,062

40,625

41,844

TD

49,753

52,241

55,114

57,739

58,605

62,173

65,592

66,600

71,071

73,914

76,131

Total

79,549

83,527

88,121

92,317

93,875

98,321

103,729

104,737

110,133

114,539

117,975

General Increases

1.07.04 SP Phase 2 2%

1.12.04 SP Phase 3 2%

1.06.05 SP Phase 4 1.5%

1.12.05 SP Phase 5 1.5%

1.06.06 SP Phase 6 2.5%

1.12.06 T2016 Phase 1 3%

1.06.07 T2016 Phase 2 2%

Special Increases

1.01.04 PSBB Phase 2

1.06.05 PSBB Phase 3

1.07.05 Interim RB Report No. 40 Phase 1 3.75%

1.01.06 Interim RB Report No. 40 Phase 2 Balance

TD — basic

80,457

82,066

83,707

87,247

87,247

88,556

88,556

90,770

93,493

95,363

Taoiseach

142,214

145,058

147,959

150,178

155,810

158,147

163,863

167,960

172,999

176,459

TD

80,457

82,066

83,707

87,247

87,247

88,556

88,556

90,770

93,493

95,363

Total

222,671

227,124

231,666

237,425

243,057

246,703

252,419

258,730

266,492

271,822

Tánaiste

111,331

113,558

115,829

117,566

121,975

123,805

128,279

131,486

135,431

138,140

TD

80,457

82,066

83,707

87,247

87,247

88,556

88,556

90,770

93,493

95,363

Total

191,788

195,624

199,536

204,813

209,222

212,361

216,835

222,256

228,924

233,503

Ministers

95,890

97,808

99,764

101,260

105,057

106,633

110,488

113,250

116,648

118,981

TD

80,457

82,066

83,707

87,247

87,247

88,556

88,556

90,770

93,493

95,363

Total

176,347

179,874

183,471

188,507

192,304

195,189

199,044

204,020

210,141

214,344

Minister of State

41,844

42,681

43,535

44,188

45,845

46,533

48,215

49,420

50,903

51,921

TD

80,457

82,066

83,707

87,247

87,247

88,556

88,556

90,770

93,493

95,363

Total

122,301

124,747

127,242

131,435

133,092

135,089

136,771

140,190

144,396

147,284

The interim increase under Report No. 40 of the Review Body only applied to the office holder's salary while the increase under the Public Service Benchmarking Body only applied to the TD's salary.

Natural History Museum.

Mary Upton

Question:

198 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the structural repair needs to be undertaken at the Natural History Museum; the plans to redevelop the museum during this period; when the Natural History Museum will reopen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32424/07]

The Office of Public Works is awaiting the final report into the collapse of a staircase in the Museum of Natural History. This report will inform the scope of works to be undertaken. The Government has allocated €15 million in the National Development Plan 2007-2013 for the refurbishment of the Natural History Museum. This is a complex conservation project in a protected structure and will involve a major refurbishment of the building and the provision of access for disabled persons. In parallel to the refurbishment of the building, the museum will undertake a detailed programme of conservation and restoration works to the exhibits and artifacts in the Museum. It is the view of the National Museum, the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism and the Office of Public Works, that the most practical and effective approach is that the Museum remain closed until the refurbishment and conservation works are complete. It is estimated that the refurbishment and conservation process will take 24 months.

Tax Yield.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

199 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the increase in revenue from excise on oil in 2005, 2006 and 2007. [32440/07]

I draw the Deputy's attention to the fact that I have not increased the rates of excise on petrol and diesel in the last three Budgets. In the Finance Bill 2005, I marginally increased the rates for auto-LPG, non-auto-LPG and fuel oil to comply with the minimum rates provided for in the EU Energy Tax Directive. In Budget 2006, I reduced the excise rates for kerosene, the primary fuel used for home heating as well as LPG also used for home heating by 50%. In Budget 2007, I further reduced both these fuels for home heating purposes to a zero rate. The increase in revenue is therefore primarily a reflection of the increase in demand for petrol and diesel. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the increase in revenue from mineral oil tax for the requested period is as follows:

2004

2005

2006

2007 (Provisional)

Mineral Oil Tax

€ m

€ m

€ m

€ m

Petrol

970.7

1,001.9

1,026.4

1,058.1

Auto Diesel

870.7

920.5

1016.7

1,090.5

Fuel Oil

12.4

13.4

11.4

7.8

Marked Gas Oil

70.9

72.9

68.8

67.4

Kerosene

33.5

33.7

18.0

0.0

Auto LPG

0.1

0.1

0.1

0.1

Other LPG

5.1

5.4

2.8

0.0

Total

1,963.4

2,047.9

2,144.2

2,223.9

Increase

84.5

96.3

79.7

The figures provided for 2007 are the estimated end of year out-turn.

Tax Code.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

200 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his views on whether there is a case for extending Section 847A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 to broaden the scope of the sports related projects that qualify for this tax relief in order to encourage increased investment in Irish sport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31574/07]

As the Deputy will be aware, tax relief is available for donations to certain sports bodies for the funding of capital projects. To be eligible for the relief the sports body must be an Approved Sports Body and the donation must be for the purposes of an Approved Project. To be regarded as an Approved Sports Body, a sports body must obtain from the Revenue Commissioners both a valid tax clearance certificate and a statement that, in accordance with section 235 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, the body is exempt from tax because it is established solely for the purpose of promoting athletic or amateur games or sports and its income is applied solely for that purpose. Approved Projects are capital projects approved by the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism. The types of projects which are eligible to be approved are the purchase, construction or refurbishment of a building to be used for sporting or recreational activities; the purchase of land for such activities; the purchase of permanently based sports equipment (excluding personal equipment); and the improvement of pitches and playing surfaces. The estimated aggregate cost of the project must not exceed €40 million. The minimum qualifying donation for relief purposes for an approved project is €250 per annum and there is no upper limit on the amount which can be donated. The relief on the donation will be at an individual's marginal rate of tax. As regards the case for extending the relief, it is the longstanding 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.

Tourism Infrastructure Investment Scheme.

Ulick Burke

Question:

201 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if the guidelines for the introduction of the mid Shannon tourism infrastructure investment scheme have been forwarded for approval by the European Commission; and if the certification board has been established. [32502/07]

The legislation governing the Mid-Shannon Tourism Infrastructure Investment scheme provides for the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism, in consultation with the Minister for Finance, to issue guidelines for the scheme. The development of these guidelines has been the subject of ongoing consultations between the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism and my Department. The guidelines are now at an advanced stage and will be completed very shortly. When the guidelines are finalised the scheme will be notified to the European Commission for approval. The establishment of the Mid-Shannon Tourism Infrastructure Board, which will approve applications and certify projects under the Scheme, is a matter for the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism. It is understood that the Board will be established in advance of the commencement of the Scheme.

Flood Relief.

Noel O'Flynn

Question:

202 Deputy Noel O’Flynn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the reason for the delay in repairing properties at Johns Quay, Kilkenny; if an engineer will be appointed to agree the works and the costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32547/07]

During construction works on the Kilkenny Flood Relief Scheme some interference was caused to properties at John's Quay. Property owners who had contacted the Office of Public Works in relation to reputed damage were advised by the Commissioners to forward details of any losses/damage that may have been occasioned by the drainage works as the OPW wanted to either put in place remedial measures against such losses/damage or to provide funds to the property owners to cover the cost of mutually agreed remedial works. On a strict application of the compensation rules, it is unlikely that OPW would be liable to make any compensation payments in respect of damage to properties at John's Quay resulting from the drainage works. This is because the benefits gained by property owners, whose properties are now protected from flooding and therefore much more valuable as a result of the scheme, are significantly greater than any damage caused and the Arterial Drainage Legislation provides for offsetting benefit against damage.

Tax Collection.

Denis Naughten

Question:

203 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if the Revenue Commissioners are developing plans to require all taxpayers to file returns on-line; his views on whether it is reasonable to require elderly people to make on-line returns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32565/07]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners, that while they are engaged in a wide ranging consultation process with stakeholders, with the objective of expanding use of the Revenue On-line service for the filing of Tax Returns and payments, they have no plans to make this compulsory for all taxpayers. Last September the Revenue Commissioners announced they were beginning a detailed and wide-ranging consultation process with tax practitioners, industry representative bodies, software providers and customers with a view to introducing a requirement that tax returns and payments for specific categories of taxpayers would be made electronically through the on-line service. In its press release the Revenue Commissioners explicitly stated that they accept that mandatory electronic filing and payment would be inappropriate for the smallest businesses. At the outset the Revenue Commissioners stated that, although the service has achieved significant return filing and payment rates, a considerable number of fully computerised businesses remain outside it. The current consultations are focused on businesses which have the capacity to carry out their interactions with the Revenue Commissioners electronically, but do not do so. The Revenue Commissioners also stated in their press release that they accept that the smallest businesses will not be required to use electronic filing and payment. Indeed, one of the benefits of moving the larger firms to mandatory electronic filing and payment was that it allows Revenue to devise a simplified paper return for such small businesses to make their tax compliance easier. The consultation process around mandatory filing is not about the age of the businessperson but about the economic size and complexity of the business and its capacity to submit returns and payments to Revenue electronically. The vast majority of larger businesses use professional tax agents who have access to the on-line system to file their tax returns.

Tax Code.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

204 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the consideration which he has given to the reduction or removal of VAT from home heating fuel for senior citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32572/07]

The VAT treatment of goods and services is governed by EU law with which Irish VAT law must comply. The rate of VAT that applies to a particular good or service is determined by the nature of the good or service, and not by the status of the customer. There is no provision in European VAT law that would allow the application of a reduction or removal of VAT on supplies of home heating fuel to customers over a certain age.

Tax Collection.

Richard Bruton

Question:

205 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the anti avoidance rules of Section 499(2) has the effect of extending to seven years the redemption date under BES if the investor makes an investment in two consecutive years; and his views on whether this represents an undesirable restriction on the use of BES. [32577/07]

The position is that, in general, an investor may dispose of BES shares after the specified five-year holding period without impacting on the relief previously granted in respect of those shares. Where shares are disposed of before that time, relief may be reduced or withdrawn.

Where, however, as mentioned in the Deputy's question, an investor has invested for two consecutive years in the same BES company, redemption by the company of the first holding of BES shares would have consequences for the relief available on the second holding. Where the consecutive investments are not in the same company or a connected company, there are no such consequences.

Section 499 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 operates to discourage an individual from withdrawing capital in any form (including a redemption of shares) from the company in the period beginning two years before and ending five years after the making of the investment. Consequently, where a company redeems an individual's BES share capital and that individual makes a second investment in the same company within two years, the BES relief on that second investment will be reduced by the amount of the capital withdrawn. This is to prevent an individual from withdrawing his/her capital after five years and immediately reinvesting the same amount, thereby availing of a second tranche of relief without any consequent increase in the company's capital.

If the company does not redeem the individual's shares but instead he/she disposes of the shares to an unconnected third party and the share capital of the said BES company is not, as a consequence, reduced, the provisions of section 499 would not apply. A second immediate investment by the same individual would thus qualify for relief.

I believe that Section 499 is generally working as intended. The BES rules seek to strike a balance between the needs of business and the targeting of relief where it is most needed. The purpose of the BES is to attract long-term risk capital into certain small to medium-sized enterprises that would otherwise find it difficult to attract investments. Additionally, the scheme is designed to provide that relief is given only in respect of additional money coming into the company.

Child Care Services.

Bobby Aylward

Question:

206 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will approve the application for funding to Pobal under the National Childcare Investment Programme for persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny to allow them to sign contracts to purchase a childcare facility premises; and if funding will be made early in 2008. [31870/07]

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.

With regard to the application for capital grant assistance under the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 referred to in the question, I understand that the Group have applied for €100,000 under the NCIP and the application is in the final phase of the appraisal process. Following this appraisal a decision will be made on funding for the applicants. This decision will be communicated to the applicants in due course.

Departmental Publications.

Brian Hayes

Question:

207 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department published an annual report in 2007; if not, when her Department plan to publish one; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31931/07]

The 2006 Annual Report of the Department of Health and Children was published in June 2007 and is available on the Department's Website. The 2007 Annual Report is in the course of preparation, with a view to publication early in 2008.

Hospital Services.

Michael Ring

Question:

208 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be called for cataract removal surgery in Galway. [31941/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to 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 this case investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

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

Health Service Staff.

James Reilly

Question:

209 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will review the staffing for dental services in the Cavan/Monaghan region where only two part time dentists are available to service a child population of 25,000, resulting in an emergency case only dental service in that area; her plans to address the inadequate dental service in Cavan/Monaghan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31966/07]

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

Hospital Services.

Liz McManus

Question:

210 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason cardiac rehabilitation services at St. Colmcille’s Hospital, Loughlinstown are being reduced; the plans to address this problem; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31977/07]

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.

Cancer Screening Programme.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

211 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children further to her reply to Parliamentary Question No 73 of 15 November 2007, the date on which five members of the National Cancer Screening Board were appointed with effect from 1 January 2007; if those five members were appointed with retrospective effect; if those five members were appointed on the same day or at the same time that the remaining seven members of the board were appointed, on 31 January 2007; if so, her views on whether her original answer adequately dealt with the question put to her; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31978/07]

As I have previously informed the Deputy, the National Cancer Screening Service Board (Establishment) Order, 2006 was signed by me on 14 December 2006 and came into effect on 1 January 2007. The Order provides that the quorum for a meeting of the Board is five members. I signed an Appointment Order in respect of five members of the Board on 20 December 2006 with effect from 1 January 2007. Letters of appointment issued to those members on 20 December 2007. The remaining seven members of the Board were appointed on and with effect from 31 January 2007.

Health Services.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

212 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will investigate the medical needs of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [31986/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. The 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.

Adoption Services.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

213 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will investigate the matter of adoption for persons (details supplied) in County Cork. [31987/07]

Adoption in Ireland is regulated by the Adoption Board, which is an independent, statutory body. On foot of the Deputy's question, a report was sought from the Adoption Board on this matter, and the information supplied is as follows.

"The Adoption Board, as a quasi-judicial body, is not generally in a position to comment on individual cases currently before the Board for consideration and adjudication. The Board can, however, confirm that it is carrying out an examination of the adoption laws of Ethiopia to determine, inter alia, if they meet the legal requirements set out in the 1991 Adoption Act for the recognition of adoptions from abroad. This examination has raised certain legal issues related to the compatibility of Ethiopian adoption law with Irish law. In the circumstances, and in order to protect the adoption process, the Board has decided as a precautionary measure, to suspend the granting of Declarations of Eligibility and Suitability to adopt abroad in respect of Ethiopia until the above investigations are complete. The Board has continued to accept applications for an entry in the Register of Foreign Adoptions, but a final decision on these applications cannot be taken until the Board's review is completed. The Board issued a Circular in this regard in October 2007, and is dealing with this issue as a matter of priority. The Adoption Board can also confirm that the Ethiopian authorities advised the Irish Embassy in Ethiopia on 21st November, 2007, that Ethiopia has stopped the processing of Irish adoption applications pending the outcome of the Adoption Board's review."

I have requested the Adoption Board to keep me updated on the progress of the review, and I am satisfied that the Board's decision is an appropriate one in the circumstances.

Departmental Offices.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

214 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department has carried out a study of opening hours of public offices under the control or remit of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32006/07]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

219 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the opening hours of her Department’s public offices and public phone lines and if they close for lunch; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32056/07]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

220 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the opening hours for the public offices and telephone lines and if they close for lunch for each of the agencies and State bodies that are under the control of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32071/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 214, 219 and 220 together.

Details of public office opening hours and public phone line availability for functions under my Department's control are outlined in tabular form.

Function

Times (excl. Bank Holidays)

Department of Health and Children main phone line

9 am–5:45 pm Monday to Friday

Adoption Board main phone line and public office

9.30 am to 12.30 pm followed by a lunch break and reopens at 2.15 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. Monday to Friday

Adoption Board Tracing Phone

9.30 am to 4.30 pm Monday to Friday

General Register Office open to callers

9.30 am to 4.30 pm Monday to Friday

General Register Office main phone line

9.15 am to 5.30 pm Monday to Thursday 9.15 am to 5.15 pm Friday

Family History/Genealogical Research Room of the General Register Office open to callers

9.30 am to 4.30 pm Monday to Friday

Family History/Genealogical Research Room of the General Register Office main phone line

9.15 am to 5.30 pm Monday to Thursday 9.15 am to 5.15 pm Friday.

Medical Cards.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

215 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of general practitioner only medical cards in service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32024/07]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

216 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will raise the income thresholds for the general practitioner only card in view of the poor take up of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32025/07]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

217 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason she encouraged people with incomes marginally above the threshold to apply for the general practitioner only medical card if she did not intend to allocate cards to these people; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32026/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 215 to 217, inclusive, together.

I introduced the GP visit card in November 2005 as a graduated benefit so that people on moderate and lower incomes, particularly parents of young children who do not qualify for a medical card, would not be deterred on cost grounds from visiting their GP. Details of the numbers of GP visit card holders are provided each month to my Department by the Health Service Executive's (HSE), Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS). The figures are provided on a net basis showing the balance after new cards have been issued and other cards, as appropriate, have been deleted from the Executive's database, e.g. following a review of an applicant's circumstances. The most recent figures provided to my Department show 74,671 GP visit card holders as at 1st November, 2007. I am satisfied that this outcome in terms of numbers issued to-date justifies the introduction of this benefit.

Since the beginning of 2005, substantial changes have been made to the way in which people's eligibility for a medical card is assessed and these apply equally to the assessment process for a GP visit card. The income guidelines have been increased by a cumulative 29% and in addition allowance is now made for reasonable expenses incurred in respect of mortgage/rent, childcare and travel to work costs. In June 2006, I agreed a further adjustment to the income guidelines for GP visit cards. These are now 50% higher than those in respect of medical cards (previously 25%).

The Programme for Government commits to the following:

Indexing the income thresholds for medical cards to increases in the average industrial wage;

Doubling of the income limit eligibility of parents of children under 6 years of age, and trebling them for parents of children under 18 years of age with an intellectual disability;

Allowing people with disabilities to work without losing key essential medical card cover after 3 years;

Implementation of an annual publicity campaign and making applications easier so as to increase uptake amongst those who are eligible for Medical Cards and GP Visit Cards.

My Department is at present considering the most appropriate approach to the implementation of these commitments.

Departmental Correspondence.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

218 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the official forms issued by her Department for use by the public and business which can be completed on-line; the forms which cannot; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32041/07]

Forms falling within the core remit of my Department are available on line, but cannot at present be completed on line. However, the number of such forms is quite small. The General Register Office (GRO), which is the central civil repository for records relating to Births, Deaths and Marriages in the State, administers a significant number and volume of forms, and I understand that these cannot be completed on-line at present. The GRO is scheduled to transfer to the Department of Social and Family Affairs with effect from 1st January next.

I have asked that the situation regarding on-line completion of the forms remaining in my Department's area after January next should be reviewed in line with our commitment to provide the best possible level of service to our customers.

Questions Nos. 219 and 220 answered with Question No. 214.

Child Care Services.

Mary Upton

Question:

221 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the level of consultation, the person with whom and when it took place in relation to the proposed changes in childcare subvention programmes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32076/07]

Mary Upton

Question:

222 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the person who will be responsible for the consequences of breaking a contract with an employee who has been paid from a EOCP grant, if that should arise as a result of the proposed new subvention scheme for childcare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32077/07]

Mary Upton

Question:

223 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the rights of those other than parents in the new proposed childcare subvention scheme, for example grandparents who are responsible for their grandchildren in a situation where a parent is not in a position to look after the children, or in the case of those doing drop-in programmes such as homework clubs, who currently receive staffing grants from the EOCP; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32078/07]

Mary Upton

Question:

224 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if childcare services that already receive funding from other sources such as the VEC, FÁS and so on for individual childcare places, will lose out on subvention from those already funded parents, as set out in the proposed childcare subvention scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32079/07]

Mary Upton

Question:

225 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if it is reasonable to expect childcare providers to produce a three year workplan when its core funding will fluctuate in relation to the status of the child’s parents using the service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32080/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 221 to 225, inclusive, together.

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

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. Funding under this scheme was originally awarded for a limited period during which services were expected to move towards sustainability. This funding was subsequently continued to the end of 2007, where it was considered necessary to enable services to continue to make their services accessible to disadvantaged parents. This continuation funding was subject to the condition that tiered fee structures were implemented by the services in question.

With the closure of the EOCP in December 2007, to continue to support community childcare services to provide affordable childcare to disadvantaged parents, the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) is being introduced from January 2008 under the Exchequer funded National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP), the successor programme to the EOCP. The CCSS has been allocated €153 million over the next 3 years, representing a 16% increase in funding over the EOCP staffing scheme, and will continue to support community childcare services to provide reduced childcare fees for disadvantaged parents, complementing the universal supports in place for all parents. Under the new scheme, it will be possible to ensure that the level of grant aid which individual services qualify for will reflect the actual level of service they provide and the profile of the parents benefiting from their service. As part of their application for funding under the new scheme, services are required to ask parents using their services to complete a simple declaration form which will be included in a return to my Office and on which basis the level of subvention for each service will be determined. The subvention received by services will, in turn, be reflected in the reduced fees for parents who qualify as disadvantaged under the scheme.

In practice, this will mean that parents with children in such services and in receipt of most social welfare payments (or participating in a scheme such as Community Employment which demonstrates an underlying entitlement to same) or parents in receipt of Family Income Supplement (FIS), will see a weekly subvention in respect of their child. A higher subvention will be paid where the subvented child is a baby, in recognition of the higher costs associated with the care of children aged under 1 year. Parents who do not qualify for subvention will be charged the cost price for their childcare service, however, as community not-for-profit services will, generally, have availed of capital grant aid under the EOCP or NCIP removing the requirement to cover rent or a mortgage, and as the services are run on a not-for-profit basis, this should still be significantly below the market price.

It is considered that the new scheme will provide an effective framework for the continued targeting of additional resources towards disadvantaged parents and their children while continuing to support community childcare services generally. The scheme has been informed by and takes account of a number of enhancements recommended by the report of the Value for Money Review of the EOCP. These include the fact that the subvention to services will be more responsive to the level of service provided as well as the degree of parental disadvantage supported and the ceiling for funding, which existed under the previous scheme, is being removed. Account will also be taken of all of the operational costs of the service rather than staffing costs alone. Services, including full-time, part-time and sessional ones, which at present are, in some cases, inaccessibly priced for disadvantaged parents, will be available to them at more appropriate rates under the new scheme.

The new scheme has clear advantages over its predecessor. There is an increase in the level of funding available under it, and a majority of services will benefit from the changes it introduces. Existing EOCP staffing grant recipients who enter the new scheme will continue to be funded at their current levels until July 2008. My Office has engaged in a series of meetings with existing grant recipients to outline to them the details of the new scheme and to gather feedback from the services themselves. A meeting with representatives of the City and County Childcare Committees has also taken place.

Transitional arrangements have been made under which existing grant recipients will continue to be funded at their current levels until 1st July 2008. This is to ensure that existing childcare services are facilitated to adjust to the new scheme, including making any adjustments necessary to their fee structures. As signalled when I announced the new scheme in July this year, the transitional period between now and 1 July 2008 is being used to monitor and review the impact it will have on individual groups, on the basis of the more detailed and comprehensive data received this month. Where 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.

The question as to how services can plan over three years, when their parental profile may change over that period misses the point that, in the case of each childcare place, the cost of that place will be met by the fee charged to the parent, less the relevant subvention, making the profile of parents, revenue neutral under the new scheme. This represents an improvement on the previous scheme, where there were tiered fees, but no variance in grant aid to compensate services for such changes.

A number of stakeholders were consulted in the Value for Money Review of the EOCP, including community providers, private providers (who are outside the remit of both schemes and who have often claimed displacement of their services occurred under the EOCP), parents, and Government Departments, including my Office and the Department of Finance. It was the report of this Review which recommended that, in the period 2007-2010, the current scheme be replaced by a more transparent system based on direct targeting of groups, notably socially disadvantaged groups. My Office has, since the scheme was announced, used the 12-month lead-in time to consult widely with the community and childcare sectors on the best way to improve the implementation of this framework, and that is ongoing.

Given the level of grant aid is increasing, and given middle and higher income parents in these services will now be paying the cost price of childcare, I would hope that services will be in a position to honour any contracts they have entered into. As the Deputy will be aware, this should be lower than in the private sector, due to capital grant aid and the not for profit nature of the service.

Under the scheme, the Parent Declaration can be signed by a guardian who is responsible for the care of that child, and I can assure the Deputy that homework clubs are catered for under the new scheme. Where a place is for less than 2 hours 15 minutes, this is counted as a "half session" for grant purposes.

The scheme does not impact on the eligibility of parents to receive FÁS or VEC childcare allowances, however such parents attract a reduced "B and B" subvention under the scheme.

Terence Flanagan

Question:

226 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there are concerns that the new childcare subvention scheme will result in parents of children utilising the services presently provided by a group (details supplied) having to pay substantially higher fees and will result in some parents withdrawing their children, place at risk the continuing financial viability of this childcare service and the employment security of those providing the services; the action she will take to address these concerns; and her proposed amendments to the proposed childcare subvention scheme. [32081/07]

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

Under the 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. Funding under this scheme was originally awarded for a limited period during which services were expected to move towards sustainability. This funding was subsequently continued to the end of 2007, where it was considered necessary to enable services to continue to make their services accessible to disadvantaged parents. This continuation funding was subject to the condition that tiered fee structures were implemented by the services in question.

With the closure of the EOCP in December 2007, to continue to support community childcare services to provide affordable childcare to disadvantaged parents, the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) is being introduced from January 2008 under the Exchequer funded National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP), the successor programme to the EOCP. The CCSS has been allocated €153 million over the next 3 years, representing a 16% increase in funding over the EOCP staffing scheme, and will continue to support community childcare services to provide reduced childcare fees for disadvantaged parents, complementing the universal supports in place for all parents. Under the new scheme, it will be possible to ensure that the level of grant aid which individual services qualify for will reflect the actual level of service they provide and the profile of the parents benefiting from their service. As part of their application for funding under the new scheme, services are required to ask parents using their services to complete a simple declaration form which will be included in a return to my Office and on which basis the level of subvention for each service will be determined. The subvention received by services will, in turn, be reflected in the reduced fees for parents who qualify as disadvantaged under the scheme.

In practice, this will mean that parents with children in such services and in receipt of most social welfare payments (or participating in a scheme such as Community Employment which demonstrates an underlying entitlement to same) or parents in receipt of Family Income Supplement (FIS), will see a weekly subvention in respect of their child. A higher subvention will be paid where the subvented child is a baby, in recognition of the higher costs associated with the care of children aged under 1 year. Parents who do not qualify for subvention will be charged the cost price for their childcare service, however, as community not-for-profit services will, generally, have availed of capital grant aid under the EOCP or NCIP removing the requirement to cover rent or a mortgage, and as the services are run on a not-for-profit basis, this should still be significantly below the market price.

It is considered that the new scheme will provide an effective framework for the continued targeting of additional resources towards disadvantaged parents and their children while continuing to support community childcare services generally. The scheme has been informed by and takes account of a number of enhancements recommended by the report of the Value for Money Review of the EOCP. These include the fact that the subvention to services will be more responsive to the level of service provided as well as the degree of parental disadvantage supported and the ceiling for funding, which existed under the previous scheme, is being removed. Account will also be taken of all of the operational costs of the service rather than staffing costs alone. Services, including full-time, part-time and sessional ones, which at present are, in some cases, inaccessibly priced for disadvantaged parents, will be available to them at more appropriate rates under the new scheme.

The new scheme has clear advantages over its predecessor. There is an increase in the level of funding available under it, and a majority of services will benefit from the changes it introduces. Existing EOCP staffing grant recipients who enter the new scheme will continue to be funded at their current levels until July 2008. My Office has engaged in a series of meetings with existing grant recipients to outline to them the details of the new scheme and to gather feedback from the services themselves. A meeting with representatives of the City and County Childcare Committees has also taken place.

Transitional arrangements have been made under which existing grant recipients will continue to be funded at their current levels until 1st July 2008. This is to ensure that existing childcare services are facilitated to adjust to the new scheme, including making any adjustments necessary to their fee structures. As signalled when I announced the new scheme in July this year, the transitional period between now and 1 July 2008 is being used to monitor and review the impact it will have on individual groups, on the basis of the more detailed and comprehensive data received this month. Where 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.

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the Group in question has been approved for transitional funding under the NCIP Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS), and a letter of approval issued from the Childcare Directorate of my Office. This funding will, for the first six months of 2008, be based on the level of funding currently being provided to the Group under the EOCP staffing support grant scheme and subject to the necessary contractual arrangement with Pobal, who manage the day to day operation of the EOCP and NCIP.

Pharmacy Regulations.

Terence Flanagan

Question:

227 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason in relation to the pharmacy dispute, she is ignoring the Indecon report which states that there is little value comparing different wholesale markets; her views on whether the proposed changes in the sector need to be managed carefully to assess impact and avoid disruption to pharmacy services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32082/07]

As the Deputy is aware the new reimbursement pricing arrangements for drugs and medicines under the GMS and community drugs schemes were announced by the HSE on 17th September 2007.

I have previously outlined in detail to the Oireachtas the legal provisions under competition law which prevent the Health Service Executive (HSE) from negotiating with the Irish Pharmaceutical Union (IPU) on fees, prices or margins for their members. When it became clear that the HSE could not negotiate with pharmacists or wholesalers on fees or margins, a detailed, fair and transparent consultation process, including independent economic analysis and public consultation, was carried out to inform the final determination of the new reimbursement pricing arrangements for drugs and medicines under the GMS and community drugs schemes. 161 submissions were received by the HSE, of which 143 were from community pharmacy contractors.

The new price arrangements for community supply were planned to take effect from 1st January for wholesalers and, due to the structure of the reimbursement system, would have come into effect from 1st December 2007 for community pharmacists. The independent economic analysis was carried out by Indecon Economic Consultants and was published by the HSE on 13 November 2007. All aspects of the Indecon analysis were considered by the HSE in making its determination. Full consideration was also taken of public submissions received.

All the evidence available to the HSE-led 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 evidence available also 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. That evidence, when considered in conjunction with the detailed analysis in the Indecon independent economic report, all points to the poor value for money being obtained by the State under the existing arrangements.

In regard to the reimbursement prices for drugs and medicines under the GMS and community drugs schemes, the main wholesaler companies have confirmed to the HSE that they will comply with the new arrangements by charging pharmacists the new reimbursement price that the HSE will pay pharmacists. I would also point out that arrangements between wholesalers and community pharmacists are a private matter. As the HSE will be paying the market value for distribution services, the Executive feels that there is no justification for wholesalers to reduce service levels to pharmacists, nor for patients not to continue to obtain the same level of service from their community pharmacist as before. The HSE has received no formal notification from any community pharmacist regarding cessation of services under the GMS and community drugs schemes. Any such cessation of services would require three months notice.

In order to address concerns by community pharmacists regarding the implications of the legal advice on competition law, a process of dialogue was established under Mr Bill Shipsey, S.C., to examine available options for advancing pharmacy contractual negotiations in compliance with Irish and EU competition law. The HSE and the IPU recently met under the auspices of Mr Shipsey. I am also exploring, in consultation with the Attorney General, relevant Government Departments and the Health Service Executive, the best way of progressing the development of a new contract with pharmacists. In view of the ongoing positive engagement between the HSE and the IPU, under the auspices of Mr Shipsey, the HSE has decided to defer the implementation of the new reimbursement rates, planned to take effect for community pharmacists on 1st December 2007, to a later date.

Departmental Correspondence.

Terence Flanagan

Question:

228 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the Health Service Executive refuses to reply to repeated registered correspondence from a person (detail supplied) asking for clarification that they intend to unilaterally and unlawfully breach pharmacists contracts on 1 December 2007; if the HSE will proceed as outlined in a letter of 17 September 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32083/07]

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

Health Services.

Darragh O'Brien

Question:

229 Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of dentists who are providing dental services for medical card holders and specifically the dentists providing these services in the Swords area. [32094/07]

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

Michael Ring

Question:

230 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the Health Service Executive are forcing people, including oncology patients, to use a third party transport provider rather than the HSE supplying the transport service directly (details supplied). [32095/07]

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.

Departmental Correspondence.

Michael Ring

Question:

231 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason incorrect information was given by the Health Service Executive in a reply to previous questions (details supplied). [32096/07]

My Department has made enquiries with the Health Service Executive (HSE) and has been advised that a letter issued to the Deputy on 10 October 2007 addressing the issues raised in the three previous Parliamentary Questions asked by him. The HSE has also advised my Department of the content of the information supplied to the Deputy. If the Deputy is dissatisfied with the HSE response, he should contact the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the HSE indicating the precise clarification that he requires.

Health Services.

Michael Ring

Question:

232 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ascertain from the Health Service Executive the number of oncology patients in County Mayo being forced to use a third party transport provider rather than availing of HSE transport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32097/07]

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

Child Care Services.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

233 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there are genuine concerns that the new child care subvention scheme will result in parents of children utilising the services presently provided by a project (details supplied) having to pay substantially higher fees, result in some parents withdrawing their children, place at risk the continuing financial viability of this child care service and place at risk the employment security of those providing the services; if she will take immediate action to address these concerns; her proposed amendments to the proposed child care subvention scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32102/07]

As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP) and the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP), which are being implemented by the Office of the Minister for Children. The main supports the Government makes available to parents to assist them with their child care costs are Child Benefit and the Early Childcare Supplement. The latter payment, which is in recognition of the higher child care costs of preschool children, is the responsibility of my Office, and it alone amounts to expenditure of over €400m in a full year. These payments are universal and benefit all parents, regardless of their income, labour market status or the type of child care they choose. In addition to these universal supports, Government child care policy has also recognised the need to target additional supports towards disadvantaged families.

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 child care 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. Funding under this scheme was originally awarded for a limited period during which services were expected to move towards sustainability. This funding was subsequently continued to the end of 2007, where it was considered necessary to enable services to continue to make their services accessible to disadvantaged parents. This continuation funding was subject to the condition that tiered fee structures were implemented by the services in question.

With the closure of the EOCP in December 2007, to continue to support community child care services to provide affordable child care to disadvantaged parents, the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) is being introduced from January 2008 under the Exchequer funded National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP), the successor programme to the EOCP. The CCSS has been allocated €153 million over the next 3 years, representing a 16% increase in funding over the EOCP staffing scheme, and will continue to support community child care services to provide reduced child care fees for disadvantaged parents, complementing the universal supports in place for all parents. Under the new scheme, it will be possible to ensure that the level of grant aid which individual services qualify for will reflect the actual level of service they provide and the profile of the parents benefiting from their service. As part of their application for funding under the new scheme, services are required to ask parents using their services to complete a simple declaration form which will be included in a return to my Office and on which basis the level of subvention for each service will be determined. The subvention received by services will, in turn, be reflected in the reduced fees for parents who qualify as disadvantaged under the scheme.

In practice, this will mean that parents with children in such services and in receipt of most social welfare payments (or participating in a scheme such as Community Employment which demonstrates an underlying entitlement to same) or parents in receipt of Family Income Supplement (FIS), will see a weekly subvention in respect of their child. A higher subvention will be paid where the subvented child is a baby, in recognition of the higher costs associated with the care of children aged under 1 year. Where places are half-day (between 3 hours 30 minutes and 5 hours) or sessional (between 2 hours 15 minutes and 3 hours 29 minutes), the subvention is paid on a pro-rata basis. Where a place is of less than 2 hours 15 minutes, this shall be calculated as half a sessional place. Parents who do not qualify for subvention will be charged the cost price for their child care service, however, as community not-for-profit services will, generally, have availed of capital grant aid under the EOCP or NCIP removing the requirement to cover rent or a mortgage, and as the services are run on a not-for-profit basis, this should still be significantly below the market price.

It is considered that the new scheme will provide an effective framework for the continued targeting of additional resources towards disadvantaged parents and their children while continuing to support community child care services generally. The scheme has been informed by and takes account of a number of enhancements recommended by the report of the Value for Money Review of the EOCP. These include the fact that the subvention to services will be more responsive to the level of service provided as well as the degree of parental disadvantage supported and the ceiling for funding, which existed under the previous scheme, is being removed. Account will also be taken of all of the operational costs of the service rather than staffing costs alone. Services, including full-time, part-time and sessional ones, which at present are, in some cases, inaccessibly priced for disadvantaged parents, will be available to them at more appropriate rates under the new scheme.

The new scheme has clear advantages over its predecessor. There is an increase in the level of funding available under it, and a majority of services will benefit from the changes it introduces. Existing EOCP staffing grant recipients who enter the new scheme will continue to be funded at their current levels until July 2008. My Office has engaged in a series of meetings with existing grant recipients to outline to them the details of the new scheme and to gather feedback from the services themselves. A meeting with representatives of the City and County Childcare Committees has also taken place.

Transitional arrangements have been made under which existing grant recipients will continue to be funded at their current levels until 1st July 2008. This is to ensure that existing child care services are facilitated to adjust to the new scheme, including making any adjustments necessary to their fee structures. As signalled when I announced the new scheme in July this year, the transitional period between now and 1 July 2008 is being used to monitor and review the impact it will have on individual groups, on the basis of the more detailed and comprehensive data received this month. Where appropriate, any adjustments necessary to the scheme to secure the best outcomes for child care 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.

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the Group in question has applied for transitional funding under the NCIP Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS). A letter from the Childcare Directorate of my Office will issue this week to the Group, informing them that subject to the return of a completed fees worksheet, their application will be approved for transitional funding. This funding will, for the first six months of 2008, be based on the level of funding currently being provided to the Group under the EOCP staffing support grant scheme and subject to the necessary contractual arrangement with Pobal, who manage the day to day operation of the EOCP and NCIP.

Health Services.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

234 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the proposals she has to provide essential core funding to the Irish Osteoporosis Society (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32105/07]

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

Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.

Billy Timmins

Question:

235 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if a claim has been made for them under the repayment scheme; if there has been, where the money goes as they may need assistance in this affair; the person who is documented as their next of kin; the position regarding the funding held back from their pension; if they are entitled to any portion of this for necessities or clothing which they may purchase; the procedure in place for refunding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32106/07]

The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.

Billy Timmins

Question:

236 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow who has applied for the repayment scheme; if this will be granted as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32107/07]

The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.

Departmental Investigations.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

237 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of investigations being carried out in relation to the potential misdiagnosis of patients; the hospitals affected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32108/07]

The vast majority of patients in this country receive effective and safe treatment from the health services. However, international studies show that a minority of patients can be harmed through their care either in hospital or in the community. A very large number of people are treated in the health services each year in our country. There are over 1.1 million emergency presentations, a further 1.1 million in-patient discharges (including day cases) and in excess of 2.8 million out-patient attendances. Based on international trends, there will be a certain level of adverse incidents ranging in severity, including potential misdiagnoses. Clearly it is not possible to itemise every analysis, investigation or review of each potential or actual misdiagnosis, or adverse incident, more generally.

Patient safety is an issue that requires clear leadership at all levels in the system. We must be satisfied that there is continuous improvement in the quality of the service being delivered. We must achieve a sustained reduction in adverse events together with appropriate follow-up support and care for all those involved when an incident does occur and that the system must have the confidence of patients, health care providers and the public.

I have asked the HSE to ensure that the reporting arrangements to my Department are clear and comprehensive regarding significant adverse events. I am also awaiting a report from the HSE Board relating to recent events which will inform this process.

I also established this year a special Commission on Patient Safety and Quality Assurance which is scheduled to report to me by July 2008. The overall objective of the Commission is to develop clear and practical recommendations to ensure that quality and safety of care for patients is paramount within the health care system. Dr Deirdre Madden is chairing this Commission.

Health Service Staff.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

238 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff made redundant as a consequence of the merging of the health boards and other bodies to form the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32109/07]

Section 60 (1) of the Health Act 2004, states that "Each person who immediately before the establishment day, was an employee of a specified body is, on that day, transferred to and becomes an employee of the Executive." In accordance with this Section of the Act, no redundancies occurred, either of a compulsory or voluntary nature, as a specific consequence of the enactment of the Health Act 2004 and the legal establishment of the HSE. Ten of the twelve former CEOs did, however, opt to leave their employment on foot of the establishment of the HSE under ‘abolition of office' terms. In addition, ‘abolition of office' terms have also been approved in twelve cases to date where senior managers meet criteria agreed between management and the Departments of Health and Children and Finance.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Finian McGrath

Question:

239 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) will be advised and supported. [32112/07]

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

As the Deputy may be aware an additional sum of €75m for revenue purposes was provided to the Health Service Executive for Disability Services in the 2007 Budget. This amount 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, including therapy services.

Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.

Bernard Allen

Question:

240 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that despite a previous parliamentary question regarding unsigned letters coming from the health repayment scheme in Tralee, County Kerry and that in response, this Deputy got assurances that letters would be signed, letters are still being sent out unsigned even as recent as 20 November 2007; and if she will now issue a directive that all letters coming from State bodies be signed. [32118/07]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has responsibility for administering the health repayment scheme in conjunction with the appointed scheme administrator KPMG/McCann Fitzgerald. The HSE has informed my Department that all individual letters issued to public representatives are now being signed. However, in certain cases, acknowledgement and deficiency letters which are computer generated and automatically sent out will remain unsigned.

Health Services.

Niall Collins

Question:

241 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health and Children the purpose and function carried out by the Health Services National Partnership Forum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32131/07]

The Health Services National Partnership Forum (HSNPF) is a joint management/trade union steering committee for workplace partnership in the Irish health service. The HSNPF was established in 1999 on foot of the provisions of Partnership 2000, the national agreement on social partnership then in place. It has continued to promote a partnership approach to change and problem solving in the health services under the subsequent national partnership agreements, the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, Sustaining Progress and the current agreement, Towards 2016. The HSNPF assists health agencies in the deepening of workplace partnership to achieve the highest quality service, care and working arrangements, by continuous improvement involving management, staff and trade unions working together.

The role and purpose of the HSNPF is as follows: to provide leadership to the health service partnership process; to champion partnership within health services management and within the trade unions; to ensure that the interests and objectives of the HSNPF's constituent groups are discussed at the partnership table; to provide a national level forum within which health service management and trade unions can agree the broad parameters within which workplace partnership is advanced at national, regional and local level; to support the partnership process within agencies and, if appropriate, support initiatives with service wide application; to resource the partnership process as appropriate including the provision of suitable training and facilities; to assist the development of best practice communications in the health services; to communicate the partnership message; to promote and develop measurement and evaluation with a view to learning and sharing information and to develop protocols based on this learning, e.g. a protocol on best partnership practice in the implementation of change; to continue to monitor relevant developments at national and international level in areas within and outside the health services and to develop strategic links; to formally verify progress in the health service context in relation to implementation of the modernisation programme as set out in all national agreements since Partnership 2000.

Departmental Expenditure.

Joe McHugh

Question:

242 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount that has been spent on the overall health service, that is capital funding, administration, wages and so on between the years 1997 and 2007; the amount that was spent was spent between 1987 and 1997; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32143/07]

The information requested by the Deputy is contained in the table below. The table shows the Revised Estimates Volume provisional outturns in respect of the Department of Health and Children for the years 1987-2004. Vote 40 in respect of the Health service Executive was established in 2005. The table shows the combined provisional outturns for the Department of Health and Children and the Health Service Executive in respect of the years 2005-2006. The figure for 2007 is the Revised Estimates Volume provision. Vote 41 in respect of the Office of the Minister for Children was established in April 2006 and outturn for that year was €353.8million. The estimate as published in the Revised Estimate Volume for 2007 is €560.8 million.

Gross Voted Funding Department of Health and Children and Health Service Executive

Gross Capital and Non-Capital

Total Annual Provision

Year

€ m

1987

1,650.034

1988

1,627.949

1989

1,725.908

1990

1,892.773

1991

2,102.996

1992

2,363.581

1993

2,610.835

1994

2,918.028

1995

3,104.345

1996

3,136.595

1997

3,636.742

1998

4,124.555

1999

4,831.140

2000

5,656.038

2001

7,077.260

2002

8,353.211

2003

9,302.314

2004

10,559.066

2005*

11,872.218

2006*

12,702.962

2007*

14,456.270

Source: provisional outturn published in the Revised Estimates Volumes 1987-2006

*Figure is the total of Votes 39 Department of Health and Children and Vote 40 HSE combined.

Health Services.

Richard Bruton

Question:

243 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to a campaign by the Irish Osteoporosis Society to secure core funding; if she has commissioned an independent assessment of this request; and if her Department has developed protocols for the support of voluntary support groups in important areas of public health. [32152/07]

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

Brian O'Shea

Question:

244 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the proposals she has in regard to the provision of comprehensive, designated transport for cancer patients who must travel to obtain services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32214/07]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) is conducting a fundamental review of how transport services are provided which will take into account the recent decisions made in relation to the designation of managed cancer control networks and cancer centres under the National Cancer Control Programme. The HSE is also putting in place a structured programme of quality assurance, support and information services to underpin the re-organisation of cancer services to ensure that cancer patients will receive quality services as close to home as possible.

The specific question raised by the Deputy regarding transport for cancer patients relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the HSE under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the matter raised.

Medical Cards.

James Bannon

Question:

245 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason persons (details supplied) in County Longford have lost their general practitioner visit card; and the reason, in view of the severity of their condition, they have not been granted a medical card. [32238/07]

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

Since the beginning of 2005 substantial changes have been made to the way in which people's eligibility for a medical card is assessed and these apply equally to the assessment process for a GP visit card. The income guidelines have been increased by a cumulative 29% and in addition allowance is now made for reasonable expenses incurred in respect of mortgage/rent, child care and travel to work costs. In June 2006 I agreed a further adjustment to the income guidelines for GP visit cards. These are now 50% higher than those in respect of medical cards.

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

Hospital Accommodation.

David Stanton

Question:

246 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 214 of 10 October 2007, when the information requested regarding rehabilitation beds for persons over 65 years will be supplied by the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32242/07]

The most recent data published by this Department is the 2005 Long Stay Activity Statistics which records that there were 2,298 limited stay beds in 2005 available in Long-Stay Units. The survey indicates 471 of these were rehabilitation beds (326 public, 108 voluntary and 37 private). This data should be interpreted in the context of the survey response rate of 80% for 2005.

I understand that the Health Service Executive is currently reviewing how rehabilitation beds are defined and accounted for. I further understand that the HSE wrote to the Deputy on 16th October to explain that it is working towards standard definitions for information collation and reporting and that the Executive would forward the information requested by the Deputy as soon as it becomes available. As this is a matter for the HSE I have asked the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to respond directly to the Deputy.

Services for People with Disabilities.

David Stanton

Question:

247 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 288, 289, 290 and 291 of 9 October 2007, when the information requested regarding Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 will be supplied by the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32243/07]

I am informed by the Health Service Executive that a reply has issued to Deputy Stanton on this matter on 30 November 2007.

Health Service Staff.

David Stanton

Question:

248 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 278 and 279 of 2 October 2007, when the information requested regarding the number of consultants in rehabilitation and waiting lists for the National Rehabilitation Hospital will be supplied by the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32244/07]

The Health Service Executive has informed my Department that a reply issued on 8th October 2007 to you in respect of Parliamentary Question number 278 of 2nd October 2007 regarding the number of consultants in rehabilitative medicine.

The Health Service Executive has also informed my Department that the information requested by the Deputy in Parliamentary Question number 279 of 2nd October 2007 relating to waiting lists and waiting times at the National Rehabilitation Hospital was sent to the Deputy recently.

Services for People with Disabilities.

David Stanton

Question:

249 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 277 of 2 October 2007 regarding the Health Research Board examination of data collection for the National Physical and Sensory Disability Database if the 10 NPSDD interviews and 10 Headway assessments have been completed; if comparison of the information has begun; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32246/07]

As the Deputy is aware this is a collaborative project between the Health Research Board (HRB) and Headway Ireland which will compare the data collected by the National Physical and Sensory Disability Database with an assessment carried out by Headway Ireland with a view to making recommendations in relation to the database and the recording of requirements of people with an acquired brain injury.

The Health Research Board has informed my Department that Headway Ireland have selected and circulated the client names to the relevant regional database teams. The regional database teams are in the process of contacting these people and inviting them to register on the National Physical and Sensory Disability Database. The Health Research Board has also informed my Department that Headway Ireland is in the process of conducting their assessment with the individuals. The Health Research Board has not received any completed data forms to date and as such the comparison of the data has not commenced.

Health Service Staff.

David Stanton

Question:

250 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 466 of 26 September 2007, when the information requested regarding the appointment of a clinical director of child and adolescent psychiatry will be supplied by the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32247/07]

The Health Service Executive has advised that a reply issued to the Deputy on 3 October 2007.

Mental Health Services.

David Stanton

Question:

251 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 256 of 30 May 2006, when the information requested regarding children awaiting psychiatric assessment will be supplied by the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32248/07]

The Deputy's original question on this matter was raised in a Parliamentary Question on 31 January 2006, and a reply was issued by the HSE on 10 April 2006. I am arranging for a copy of the HSE's reply to be forwarded to the Deputy again, for his convenience.

Services for People with Disabilities.

David Stanton

Question:

252 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 268 of 27 March 2007, when the information requested on revenue and capital funding under the multi-annual investment package, will be supplied by the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32249/07]

The Health Service Executive has informed my Department that a response was issued to the Deputy on 3rd April 2007.

Child Care Services.

David Stanton

Question:

253 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 944 of 31 January 2007, when the information requested on the preschool standardisation project will be supplied by the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32250/07]

I understand that a response to Parliamentary Question 944 of 31 January 2007 was issued to the Deputy by the HSE on 30 January 2007 advising him of progress at that date in regard to the Towards 2016 commitment to implement the Pre-School Services Standardisation Project. I understand that a substantial amount of progress has been made during 2007 and that the Standardised Inspection Tool and Inspection Outcome Report, relating to the Child Care (Pre-School Services) (No.2) Regulations 2006, are now in place, together with an Interim Code of Practice. As the HSE is ultimately responsible for the Standardisation Project, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to issue a further reply to the Deputy to update him more generally on this matter, in particular with regard to: the training of preschool staff to ensure consistency of inspection throughout the HSE; establishing improved administrative systems to facilitate a national standardised inspection service; and ensuring the standardised inspection reports are freely available to the public.

Residential Care Standards.

David Stanton

Question:

254 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 115 of 27 June 2007, if the public consultation process on draft national standards in residential care has been completed; if the standards have been finalised by the Health Information and Quality Authority; if not, when they will be finalised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32251/07]

In January 2007 the Minister for Health and Children published a new set of draft national standards which will apply to all nursing homes. The standards were developed by a working group chaired by DoHC and included the Health Service Executive, Social Service Inspectorate and the Irish Health Services Accreditation Board.

As the Health Act, 2007 provides that the enhanced inspection function will be taken over by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), the draft standards were formally referred to HIQA for consultation and finalisation. The Authority established a wide-ranging Working Group to finalise the draft standards. The terms of reference of the Group were to:

review and develop the draft standards;

establish a process for targeted and public consultation;

oversee the public consultation process;

consider feedback from the public consultation process;

finalise the draft standards for publication and inspection.

HIQA published draft standards on 8 August, 2007 for public consultation. Members of the public, service users, their families, service providers and all those with an interest in residential care for older people were invited to submit their views on the draft. The results of the public consultation were discussed at the most recent meetings of the HIQA Working Group. It is proposed to hold one further meeting of the Working Group to finalise the standards. The next step will be to refer the standards to the Minister, following which Regulations will be drafted to give statutory underpinning to the Standards.

Services for People with Disabilities.

David Stanton

Question:

255 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 952 of 31 January 2007, when the information requested regarding the supervision of expenditure by disability service providers will be supplied by the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32252/07]

The Health Service Executive has informed my Department that a response was issued to the Deputy on 23rd February 2007.

Health Services.

David Stanton

Question:

256 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 502 of 20 March 2007, when the information requested regarding waiting lists for public physiotherapy services in the Health Service Executive southern region will be supplied by the HSE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32253/07]

I understand that correspondence in relation to this matter was sent to the Deputy on the 16th May 2007 from the HSE South.

Youth Services.

David Stanton

Question:

257 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 295 of 6 March 2007, the amount that was made available from the vote of the Minister with responsibility for children to support the establishment of youth cafes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32254/07]

Teenspace, the National Recreation Policy was launched last September. Funding provided in the OMC Vote in 2007 for recreation related to printing, launch and dissemination of the policy which has been taking place since September. My Office has contacted the relevant agencies and departments, advising them of the actions appropriate to them and seeking their inclusion in statements of strategy, business plans, and spending plans for 2008.

There are already a number of youth cafés in operation around the country funded in different ways. At this stage, my focus is to bring better coherence to the approach taken to date, retaining the strong inter-agency element and identify an appropriate model(s) for youth cafés for future developments. Since September my office has undertaken a small survey of some of the existing cafés looking at mission/objectives, management and organisation, service levels and the role of young people. I have recently requested the National Children's Advisory Council's advice on the development of a youth café model and contracts to undertake this work will be signed shortly. This work will ensure that funding is targeted and co-ordinated most effectively on a model or models of youth cafés which meet the needs identified by young people themselves. Discussions are underway with my Cabinet colleagues regarding a youth café programme and appropriate funding mechanisms. I am considering which agency could best lead on the programme and how to ensure any funding which might be made available augments, without displacing, the existing inter-agency resources.

Ambulance Service.

Michael Kennedy

Question:

258 Deputy Michael Kennedy asked the Minister for Health and Children the legislation under which the availability of defibrillators in the public service is contained; the extent to which such legislation extends into the private sector; if plans exist to increase the availability of public use defibrillators similar to those at use in Mountbellow, County Galway to the general public on a national basis; the number of defibrillators available in north Dublin, both publicly and privately; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32309/07]

Availability of automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) is not governed by legislation. The Report of the Task Force on Sudden Cardiac Death, published in March 2006, makes recommendations on the prevention of sudden cardiac death and on the detection of those at high risk.

The Task Force supports the establishment of first responder programmes and recommends that priority should be given to programmes, geographical locations and facilities identified as having the greatest need. All programmes should be coordinated by the HSE ambulance services, with best practice guidance from the Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council. The Task Force also recommends that Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) should be placed in facilities where the incidence of cardiac arrest is high, including in-patient health facilities; G.P. surgeries and primary care facilities; airports, shopping centres, major sports venues and golf courses, bus/rail terminals, ferries/ferry terminals, concert and conference venues; universities and colleges; gyms and fitness clubs, and other venues for major public events.

The HSE Ambulance Service will be developing an AED register via the National Pre-Hospital First Responder Coordinator in the first half of 2008. The HSE will be establishing the numbers of AEDs currently available in both public and private premises. This will be completed during the first half of 2008. With the appointment of the first responder coordinators and pre-hospital resuscitation training officers in 2008, the HSE will be promoting programmes in priority areas which will increase the availability of AEDs for use by trained members of the public.

Health Services.

John Perry

Question:

259 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will intercede with the Health Service Executive on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo who has applied for home help; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32319/07]

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

Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

260 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when payment under the health repayment scheme in respect of persons in residential institutions will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32321/07]

The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.

Departmental Records.

Damien English

Question:

261 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the way her Department disposes of redundant information technology equipment; if she is satisfied that all stored information has been removed prior to disposal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32352/07]

Disposal of redundant information technology equipment is carried out in line with Department of Finance circular 30/03 "Depreciation and Disposal of PCs and other computer hardware". Where equipment with hard drives are being disposed of, data are erased in compliance with industry standards to ensure that all information is removed. This is carried out in all cases regardless of whether the equipment is being donated to charity or recycled. In cases of hard drive failure where data cannot be accessed, hard drives are physically destroyed to ensure that no data may be retrieved.

Redundant information technology equipment is disposed of by certified recycling companies selected by way of competitive tender. Following collection of the redundant equipment the relevant company are requested to provide my Department with suitable certification indicating that all items will be disposed of in accordance with EU Directive 2002/96/EC1 on waste electrical and electronic equipment as enacted by the Waste Management (Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment) Regulations 2005.

Departmental Staff.

Damien English

Question:

262 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of press officers that are employed in her Department, employed in each agency reporting to her Department, were employed in her Department in 2002 and were employed in each agency reporting to her Department in 2002; and if she will provide the information in tabular readable form. [32367/07]

I refer to my reply to the Deputy of 27 November 2007 (Parliamentary Question Reference Number 31048/07). A Special Adviser to me acts as my Press Adviser. This function is supported by my Department's Press Office. In December 2002 there was one Press Officer appointed to the then Minister. She was also supported by the Department's Press Office at that time. In relation to the specific details requested by the Deputy for each agency reporting to my Department, my Department is asking the relevant health agencies to reply directly to the Deputy.

Departmental Websites.

Damien English

Question:

263 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children if podcasts are available for download by members of the public on websites maintained by her Department and its agencies; if not, her plans to introduce podcasts as a communications tool; if so, the number of times a podcast has been downloaded to date in 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32382/07]

My Department's websites do not use podcasts for communications purposes at present. There are no immediate plans to introduce such technology but the situation will be kept under review. None of the agencies directly funded by my Department have podcasts available for download on their websites. A small number of them will be considering whether to add this feature when next reviewing their website content and design.

Departmental Properties.

Damien English

Question:

264 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the works or measures that have taken place in 2007 to make her Departmental buildings more environmentally friendly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32397/07]

All the old inefficient lighting and controls in my Department's Headquarters in Hawkins House have been replaced with an energy efficient system. In addition there is an automatic lighting system operating in all kitchenettes in Hawkins House. This system allows for lighting to the room only when in use. These works were carried out in conjunction with the Office of Public Works during 2007. Colour coded waste disposal bins have been introduced on all floors for waste paper and paper products. The contents of these are taken away to be recycled on a regular basis. A special sub-committee of Partnership has been established with the specific task of promoting environmental awareness among staff members.

Cancer Prevention.

Michael Kennedy

Question:

265 Deputy Michael Kennedy asked the Minister for Health and Children if the existing legislation governing tanning beds includes restrictions for people under the age of 18; the way this is enforced; if there are future plans to set out clear legislation for children under the age of 16, in the wake of the practice’s growing popularity amongst younger people; her views on launching an awareness campaign around the dangers associated with sun-bed tanning; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32418/07]

Heads of a Bill are being prepared at present to restrict the use of sunbeds to adults only and to provide for the compulsory placing of warning notices in sunbed salons and other places where sunbeds are available for use by the public. Currently, no legislation regulates the use of sunbeds and, accordingly, the issue of enforcement does not arise at this time.

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

Departmental Correspondence.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

266 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will respond to the correspondence received from a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32420/07]

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

Hospital Services.

Mary Upton

Question:

267 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, in view of the fact that co-location is cited as one of the main reasons that the new paediatric hospital will be situated beside an adult hospital, in place to improve the services for teenagers with congenital heart defects who transfer to the new hospital; if she is satisfied that the current resources at the Mater (details supplied) are adequate to meet additional demands arising from the location of the new paediatric service at the same site; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32425/07]

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 issues raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Jack Wall

Question:

268 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Carlow can receive an earlier appointment date for an MRI scan and appointment at a clinic in St. James's Hospital, in view of the serious medical problems of the person and that this person is also one of the cancer patients being recalled to Portlaoise Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32426/07]

My Department contacted the Health Service Executive (HSE) directly in relation to the patient concerned to ensure that she receives appropriate follow-up and care. The person concerned was invited to attend for ongoing clinical review at Portlaoise in February, May and June of this year but did not attend.

Hospital Staff.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

269 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if the process for appointing a senior radiographer for Mallow General Hospital has been expedited; if so, when the person will commence employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32432/07]

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

Child Care Services.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

270 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there are concerns that the new child care subvention scheme will result in parents of children utilising the services presently provided by a project (details supplied) in Dublin 15 having to pay substantially higher fees and will result in some parents withdrawing their children, place at risk the continuing financial viability of this child care service and the employment security of those providing the services; if she will take action to address these concerns; her proposed amendments to the proposed child care subvention scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32433/07]

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

Under the 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. Funding under this scheme was originally awarded for a limited period during which services were expected to move towards sustainability. This funding was subsequently continued to the end of 2007, where it was considered necessary to enable services to continue to make their services accessible to disadvantaged parents. This continuation funding was subject to the condition that tiered fee structures were implemented by the services in question.

With the closure of the EOCP in December 2007, to continue to support community childcare services to provide affordable childcare to disadvantaged parents, the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) is being introduced from January 2008 under the Exchequer funded National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP), the successor programme to the EOCP. The CCSS has been allocated €153 million over the next 3 years, representing a 16% increase in funding over the EOCP staffing scheme, and will continue to support community childcare services to provide reduced childcare fees for disadvantaged parents, complementing the universal supports in place for all parents. Under the new scheme, it will be possible to ensure that the level of grant aid which individual services qualify for will reflect the actual level of service they provide and the profile of the parents benefiting from their service. As part of their application for funding under the new scheme, services are required to ask parents using their services to complete a simple declaration form which will be included in a return to my Office and on which basis the level of subvention for each service will be determined. The subvention received by services will, in turn, be reflected in the reduced fees for parents who qualify as disadvantaged under the scheme.

In practice, this will mean that parents with children in such services and in receipt of most social welfare payments (or participating in a scheme such as Community Employment which demonstrates an underlying entitlement to same) or parents in receipt of Family Income Supplement (FIS), will see a weekly subvention in respect of their child. A higher subvention will be paid where the subvented child is a baby, in recognition of the higher costs associated with the care of children aged under 1 year. Parents who do not qualify for subvention will be charged the cost price for their childcare service, however, as community not-for-profit services will, generally, have availed of capital grant aid under the EOCP or NCIP removing the requirement to cover rent or a mortgage, and as the services are run on a not-for-profit basis, this should still be significantly below the market price. The group in question received €430,838 in capital grant assistance under the EOCP.

It is considered that the new scheme will provide an effective framework for the continued targeting of additional resources towards disadvantaged parents and their children while continuing to support community childcare services generally. The scheme has been informed by and takes account of a number of enhancements recommended by the report of the Value for Money Review of the EOCP. These include the fact that the subvention to services will be more responsive to the level of service provided as well as the degree of parental disadvantage supported and the ceiling for funding, which existed under the previous scheme, is being removed. Account will also be taken of all of the operational costs of the service rather than staffing costs alone. Services, including full-time, part-time and sessional ones, which at present are, in some cases, inaccessibly priced for disadvantaged parents, will be available to them at more appropriate rates under the new scheme.

The new scheme has clear advantages over its predecessor. There is an increase in the level of funding available under it, and a majority of services will benefit from the changes it introduces. Existing EOCP staffing grant recipients who enter the new scheme will continue to be funded at their current levels until July 2008. My Office has engaged in a series of meetings with existing grant recipients to outline to them the details of the new scheme and to gather feedback from the services themselves. A meeting with representatives of the City and County Childcare Committees has also taken place.

Transitional arrangements have been made under which existing grant recipients will continue to be funded at their current levels until 1st July 2008. This is to ensure that existing childcare services are facilitated to adjust to the new scheme, including making any adjustments necessary to their fee structures. As signalled when I announced the new scheme in July this year, the transitional period between now and 1 July 2008 is being used to monitor and review the impact it will have on individual groups, on the basis of the more detailed and comprehensive data received this month. Where 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.

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the Group in question has been approved for transitional funding under the NCIP Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS), and a letter of approval issued from the Childcare Directorate of my Office. This funding will, for the first six months of 2008, be based on the level of funding currently being provided to the Group under the EOCP staffing support grant scheme and subject to the necessary contractual arrangement with Pobal, who manage the day to day operation of the EOCP and NCIP.

Freedom of Information.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

271 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of Freedom of Information requests received in that part of the Dublin north east area which includes the area formerly known as the North Eastern Health Board for each year since the Freedom of Information Act 1997 was introduced; the number of such requests that were for personal information and did not incur a charge; the number of such requests that were not for personal information and were made by medical card holders and therefore did not incur a charge; the number that did incur a charge; the average charge and the mean charge for each year; the category of appeal made in each category outlined that went for internal appeal and the result of same; if charges were reduced or increased on appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32434/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the 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.

Departmental Legal Costs.

Dan Neville

Question:

272 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of moneys which were paid out in settlement in civil claims against the Health Service Executive and her Department. [32447/07]

The amount of money spent by my Department in relation to legal costs and settlements in 2007 to date is €79,595,076. This figure includes costs in relation to medical indemnity cases and costs paid out in respect of the Hepatitis C and HIV Tribunals and the Lourdes Redress Board. In relation to claims paid out by the Health Service Executive, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

273 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Health and Children if an application has been received by her Department to have a new health centre provided at a location (details supplied) in County Donegal; the stage the project is at; and when it is expected that approval will be given in order that work can commence on the project. [32454/07]

The Primary Care Strategy aims to increase health service capacity through the development of services in the community to give people direct access to integrated multi-disciplinary teams of general practitioners, nurses, home helps, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and others. It has been estimated that up to 95% of people's health and social services needs can be properly met within a primary care setting and the establishment of new Primary Care Teams can contribute greatly to enhancing community based health services.

The provision of the appropriate infrastructure to facilitate the delivery of primary care services is being considered by the HSE, having regard to a number of factors. These include the type and configuration of the services involved, the mixed public/private nature of our health system, the suitability of existing infrastructure and the capital requirements of the health services generally over the coming years.

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

Child Care Services.

Sean Fleming

Question:

274 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Health and Children when the remainder of a grant will be paid in respect of a childcare facility (details supplied) in County Laois which was granted under the national childcare investment programme 2006 to 2010. [32462/07]

As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP) and the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP), which are being implemented by the Office of the Minister for Children. The applicant in question was approved capital grant assistance of €100,000 under the NCIP in December 2006. I understand from enquiries made that Pobal, who manage the day to day operation of the EOCP and NCIP on behalf of my Office, are awaiting the return of completed December Financial Impact Returns, which were forwarded to the applicant, before the final payment of €70,000 can be made.

Michael Creed

Question:

275 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the concerns that the new childcare subvention scheme will result in parents of children using the services provided by a centre (details supplied) having to pay substantially higher fees; if she will take immediate action to address there concerns by introducing amendments to the proposed childcare subvention scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32505/07]

Michael Creed

Question:

276 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the concerns that the new childcare subvention scheme will result in parents of children using the services provided by a centre (details supplied) having to pay substantially higher fees; if she will take immediate action to address there concerns by introducing amendments to the proposed childcare subvention scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32506/07]

Michael Creed

Question:

277 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the concerns that the new childcare subvention scheme will result in parents of children using the services provided by a centre (details supplied) having to pay substantially higher fees; if she will take immediate action to address there concerns by introducing amendments to the proposed childcare subvention scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32507/07]

Michael Creed

Question:

278 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the concerns that the new childcare subvention scheme will result in parents of children using the services provided by a centre (details supplied) having to pay substantially higher fees; if she will take immediate action to address there concerns by introducing amendments to the proposed childcare subvention scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32508/07]

Michael Creed

Question:

279 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the concerns that the new childcare subvention scheme will result in parents of children using the services provided by a centre (details supplied) having to pay substantially higher fees; if she will take immediate action to address there concerns by introducing amendments to the proposed childcare subvention scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32509/07]

Michael Creed

Question:

282 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the concerns that the new childcare subvention scheme will result in parents of children using the services provided by a centre (details supplied) having to pay substantially higher fees;if she will take immediate action to address there concerns by introducing amendments to the proposed childcare subvention scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32512/07]

Michael Creed

Question:

283 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the concerns that the new childcare subvention scheme will result in parents of children using the services provided by a centre (details supplied) having to pay substantially higher fees; if she will take immediate action to address there concerns by introducing amendments to the proposed childcare subvention scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32513/07]

Michael Creed

Question:

285 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the concerns that the new childcare subvention scheme will result in parents of children using the services provided by a centre (details supplied) having to pay substantially higher fees; if she will take immediate action to address there concerns by introducing amendments to the proposed childcare subvention scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32515/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 275 to 279, inclusive, and 282, 283 and 285 together.

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

The main supports the Government makes available to parents to assist them with their childcare costs are Child Benefit and the Early Childcare Supplement. The latter payment, which is in recognition of the higher childcare costs of pre-school children, is the responsibility of my Office, and it alone amounts to expenditure of over €400m in a full year. These payments are universal and benefit all parents, regardless of their income, labour market status or the type of childcare they choose. In addition to these universal supports, Government childcare policy has also recognised the need to target additional supports towards disadvantaged families.

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. Funding under this scheme was originally awarded for a limited period during which services were expected to move towards sustainability. This funding was subsequently continued to the end of 2007, where it was considered necessary to enable services to continue to make their services accessible to disadvantaged parents. This continuation funding was subject to the condition that tiered fee structures were implemented by the services in question.

With the closure of the EOCP in December 2007, to continue to support community childcare services to provide affordable childcare to disadvantaged parents, the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) is being introduced from January 2008 under the Exchequer funded National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP), the successor programme to the EOCP. The CCSS has been allocated €153 million over the next 3 years, representing a 16% increase in funding over the EOCP staffing scheme, and will continue to support community childcare services to provide reduced childcare fees for disadvantaged parents, complementing the universal supports in place for all parents. Under the new scheme, it will be possible to ensure that the level of grant aid which individual services qualify for will reflect the actual level of service they provide and the profile of the parents benefiting from their service. As part of their application for funding under the new scheme, services are required to ask parents using their services to complete a simple declaration form which will be included in a return to my Office and on which basis the level of subvention for each service will be determined. The subvention received by services will, in turn, be reflected in the reduced fees for parents who qualify as disadvantaged under the scheme.

In practice, this will mean that parents with children in such services and in receipt of most social welfare payments (or participating in a scheme such as Community Employment which demonstrates an underlying entitlement to same) or parents in receipt of Family Income Supplement (FIS), will see a weekly subvention in respect of their child. A higher subvention will be paid where the subvented child is a baby, in recognition of the higher costs associated with the care of children aged under 1 year. Parents who do not qualify for subvention will be charged the cost price for their childcare service, however, as community not-for-profit services will, generally, have availed of capital grant aid under the EOCP or NCIP removing the requirement to cover rent or a mortgage, and as the services are run on a not-for-profit basis, this should still be significantly below the market price.

It is considered that the new scheme will provide an effective framework for the continued targeting of additional resources towards disadvantaged parents and their children while continuing to support community childcare services generally. The scheme has been informed by and takes account of a number of enhancements recommended by the report of the Value for Money Review of the EOCP. These include the fact that the subvention to services will be more responsive to the level of service provided as well as the degree of parental disadvantage supported and the ceiling for funding, which existed under the previous scheme, is being removed. Account will also be taken of all of the operational costs of the service rather than staffing costs alone. Services, including full-time, part-time and sessional ones, which at present are, in some cases, inaccessibly priced for disadvantaged parents, will be available to them at more appropriate rates under the new scheme.

The new scheme has clear advantages over its predecessor. There is an increase in the level of funding available under it, and a majority of services will benefit from the changes it introduces. Existing EOCP staffing grant recipients who enter the new scheme will continue to be funded at their current levels until July 2008. My Office has engaged in a series of meetings with existing grant recipients to outline to them the details of the new scheme and to gather feedback from the services themselves. A meeting with representatives of the City and County Childcare Committees has also taken place.

Transitional arrangements have been made under which existing grant recipients will continue to be funded at their current levels until 1st July 2008. This is to ensure that existing childcare services are facilitated to adjust to the new scheme, including making any adjustments necessary to their fee structures. As signalled when I announced the new scheme in July this year, the transitional period between now and 1 July 2008 is being used to monitor and review the impact it will have on individual groups, on the basis of the more detailed and comprehensive data received this month. Where 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.

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that six of the Groups in question have been approved for transitional funding under the NCIP Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS), and letters of approval have issued from the Childcare Directorate of my Office. This funding will, for the first six months of 2008, be based on the level of funding currently being provided to the Groups under the EOCP staffing support grant scheme and subject to the necessary contractual arrangement with Pobal, who manage the day to day operation of the EOCP and NCIP. The other two Groups have applied to enter the new scheme and letters will issue from the Childcare Directorate of my Office this week requesting them to forward outstanding information.

Michael Creed

Question:

280 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the concerns that the new childcare subvention scheme will result in parents of children using the services provided by a centre (details supplied) having to pay substantially higher fees; if she will take immediate action to address there concerns by introducing amendments to the proposed childcare subvention scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32510/07]

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

The main supports the Government makes available to parents to assist them with their childcare costs are Child Benefit and the Early Childcare Supplement. The latter payment, which is in recognition of the higher childcare costs of pre-school children, is the responsibility of my Office, and it alone amounts to expenditure of over €400m in a full year. These payments are universal and benefit all parents, regardless of their income, labour market status or the type of childcare they choose. In addition to these universal supports, Government childcare policy has also recognised the need to target additional supports towards disadvantaged families.

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. Funding under this scheme was originally awarded for a limited period during which services were expected to move towards sustainability. This funding was subsequently continued to the end of 2007, where it was considered necessary to enable services to continue to make their services accessible to disadvantaged parents. This continuation funding was subject to the condition that tiered fee structures were implemented by the services in question.

With the closure of the EOCP in December 2007, to continue to support community childcare services to provide affordable childcare to disadvantaged parents, the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) is being introduced from January 2008 under the Exchequer funded National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP), the successor programme to the EOCP. The CCSS has been allocated €153 million over the next 3 years, representing a 16% increase in funding over the EOCP staffing scheme, and will continue to support community childcare services to provide reduced childcare fees for disadvantaged parents, complementing the universal supports in place for all parents. Under the new scheme, it will be possible to ensure that the level of grant aid which individual services qualify for will reflect the actual level of service they provide and the profile of the parents benefiting from their service. As part of their application for funding under the new scheme, services are required to ask parents using their services to complete a simple declaration form which will be included in a return to my Office and on which basis the level of subvention for each service will be determined. The subvention received by services will, in turn, be reflected in the reduced fees for parents who qualify as disadvantaged under the scheme.

In practice, this will mean that parents with children in such services and in receipt of most social welfare payments (or participating in a scheme such as Community Employment which demonstrates an underlying entitlement to same) or parents in receipt of Family Income Supplement (FIS), will see a weekly subvention in respect of their child. A higher subvention will be paid where the subvented child is a baby, in recognition of the higher costs associated with the care of children aged under 1 year. Parents who do not qualify for subvention will be charged the cost price for their childcare service, however, as community not-for-profit services will, generally, have availed of capital grant aid under the EOCP or NCIP removing the requirement to cover rent or a mortgage, and as the services are run on a not-for-profit basis, this should still be significantly below the market price.

It is considered that the new scheme will provide an effective framework for the continued targeting of additional resources towards disadvantaged parents and their children while continuing to support community childcare services generally. The scheme has been informed by and takes account of a number of enhancements recommended by the report of the Value for Money Review of the EOCP. These include the fact that the subvention to services will be more responsive to the level of service provided as well as the degree of parental disadvantage supported and the ceiling for funding, which existed under the previous scheme, is being removed. Account will also be taken of all of the operational costs of the service rather than staffing costs alone. Services, including full-time, part-time and sessional ones, which at present are, in some cases, inaccessibly priced for disadvantaged parents, will be available to them at more appropriate rates under the new scheme.

The new scheme has clear advantages over its predecessor. There is an increase in the level of funding available under it, and a majority of services will benefit from the changes it introduces. Existing EOCP staffing grant recipients who enter the new scheme will continue to be funded at their current levels until July 2008. My Office has engaged in a series of meetings with existing grant recipients to outline to them the details of the new scheme and to gather feedback from the services themselves. A meeting with representatives of the City and County Childcare Committees has also taken place.

Transitional arrangements have been made under which existing grant recipients will continue to be funded at their current levels until 1st July 2008. This is to ensure that existing childcare services are facilitated to adjust to the new scheme, including making any adjustments necessary to their fee structures. As signalled when I announced the new scheme in July this year, the transitional period between now and 1 July 2008 is being used to monitor and review the impact it will have on individual groups, on the basis of the more detailed and comprehensive data which has been received with the recently returned applications from existing grant recipients, for funding under the new Scheme in 2008. Where 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.

While I am glad to advise the Deputy that applications have been received from over 80% of existing grant recipients and almost half of these have been approved in principle for transitional funding under the NCIP Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS), an application has not been received from the Group in question. I have asked officials in my Office to issue a further invitation to Groups which have not yet applied for entry to the new scheme and would encourage them to return completed applications as soon as possible.

Michael Creed

Question:

281 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the concerns that the new childcare subvention scheme will result in parents of children using the services provided by a centre (details supplied) having to pay substantially higher fees; if she will take immediate action to address there concerns by introducing amendments to the proposed childcare subvention scheme; and ifshe will make a statement on the matter. [32511/07]

Michael Creed

Question:

284 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the concerns that the new childcare subvention scheme will result in parents of children using the services provided by a centre (details supplied) having to pay substantially higher fees; if she will take immediate action to address there concerns by introducing amendments to the proposed childcare subvention scheme; and ifshe will make a statement on the matter. [32514/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 281 and 284 together.

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

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. Funding under this scheme was originally awarded for a limited period during which services were expected to move towards sustainability.

The two groups in question were approved staffing funding under the EOCP previously. However they are not currently in receipt of EOCP funding and therefore were not invited to apply for transitional funding under the new Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS). The Groups however may apply under new CCSS, which is being introduced from January 2008 under the Exchequer funded National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP), the successor programme to the EOCP. The CCSS has been allocated €153 million over the next 3 years, representing a 16% increase in funding over the EOCP staffing scheme, and will continue to support community childcare services to provide reduced childcare fees for disadvantaged parents, complementing the universal supports in place for all parents. Under the new scheme, it will be possible to ensure that the level of grant aid which individual services qualify for will reflect the actual level of service they provide and the profile of the parents benefiting from their service. As part of their application for funding under the new scheme, services are required to ask parents using their services to complete a simple declaration form which will be included in a return to my Office and on which basis the level of subvention for each service will be determined. The subvention received by services will, in turn, be reflected in the reduced fees for parents who qualify as disadvantaged under the scheme.

In practice, this will mean that parents with children in such services and in receipt of most social welfare payments (or participating in a scheme such as Community Employment which demonstrates an underlying entitlement to same) or parents in receipt of Family Income Supplement (FIS), will see a weekly subvention in respect of their child. A higher subvention will be paid where the subvented child is a baby, in recognition of the higher costs associated with the care of children aged under 1 year. Parents who do not qualify for subvention will be charged the cost price for their childcare service, however, as community not-for-profit services will, generally, have availed of capital grant aid under the EOCP or NCIP removing the requirement to cover rent or a mortgage, and as the services are run on a not-for-profit basis, this should still be significantly below the market price.

It is considered that the new scheme will provide an effective framework for the continued targeting of additional resources towards disadvantaged parents and their children while continuing to support community childcare services generally. The scheme has been informed by and takes account of a number of enhancements recommended by the report of the Value for Money Review of the EOCP. These include the fact that the subvention to services will be more responsive to the level of service provided as well as the degree of parental disadvantage supported and the ceiling for funding, which existed under the previous scheme, is being removed. Account will also be taken of all of the operational costs of the service rather than staffing costs alone. Services, including full-time, part-time and sessional ones, which at present are, in some cases, inaccessibly priced for disadvantaged parents, will be available to them at more appropriate rates under the new scheme.

Transitional arrangements have been made under which existing grant recipients will continue to be funded at their current levels until 1st July 2008. This is to ensure that existing childcare services are facilitated to adjust to the new scheme, including making any adjustments necessary to their fee structures. As signalled when I announced the new scheme in July this year, the transitional period between now and 1 July 2008 is being used to monitor and review the impact it will have on individual groups, on the basis of the more detailed and comprehensive data received this month. Where 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.

Questions Nos. 282 and 283 answered with Question No. 275.
Question No. 284 answered with QuestionNo. 281.
Question No. 285 answered with QuestionNo. 275.

Health Services.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

286 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients who are waiting for orthodontic treatment in County Kerry; the length of time they have to wait before they receive the first treatment; the number of days per week that treatment is available in the dental clinic in Moyderwell; the measures that the Health Service Executive propose to take to develop an acceptable orthodontic service for Kerry patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32518/07]

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

Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.

Michael Ring

Question:

287 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo cannot get a repayment of nursing home charges in view of the fact that they were paid from June 2004 to November 2004. [32541/07]

The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Billy Timmins

Question:

288 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children when a centre (details supplied) in County Kildare will be ready for use; when it will be established; the facilities or assistance available to a person; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32545/07]

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

Services for People with Disabilities.

Billy Timmins

Question:

289 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the assistance, financial or otherwise available to a person who suffers from dyspraxia; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32546/07]

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

Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.

Pat Breen

Question:

290 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a refund will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare in respect of nursing home charges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32553/07]

The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive.

My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.

Ambulance Service.

Dan Neville

Question:

291 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children when she will provide funding for a new ambulance station (details supplied) in Kilmallock, County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32567/07]

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.

Nursing Home Charges.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

292 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the provisions of the new deal scheme in respect of the treatment of married couples; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32571/07]

Under the new scheme, people who require long-term residential care will contribute up to 80% of their assessable income per week, whether for public or private nursing home care. Depending on the amount of a person's assessable income, there will also be a contribution of up to 5% of a person's assets. The portion of the contribution relating to assets, such as a person's house, may be deferred. This means that it does not have to be met during the person's lifetime and can be payable on settlement of the person's estate instead. The deferred contribution will be based on the actual number of weeks spent in residential care and on the cost of care and, consequently, may be less than 5% per annum. Where the spouse or certain dependants are living in the principal residence, the contribution may be further deferred until after the death of that spouse or dependant.

In addition, where the deferred contribution applies to the principal residence, it will be capped at a maximum of 15%, or 7.5% in the case of one spouse remaining in the home while the other enters long-term residential care.

It is important to emphasise that no one will ever pay more than the cost of their care. In the case of a married couple, each person will be assessed on the basis of half their combined assessable income and assets. However, we will ensure that a spouse who remains in the family home retains a sufficient income to live on. At the very least, such a person will never be left with less than the maximum rate of the State Pension (Non-Contributory).

Medical Cards.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

293 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the entitlement of medical card holders to chiropody services; the regulation in respect of chiropodists charging a fee as a top-up fee for such services at present; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32573/07]

There is no statutory obligation on the Health Service Executive (HSE) to provide chiropody services to GMS patients; however in practice arrangements have been made in several regions to provide these services. Before the establishment of the HSE the nature of any arrangements for community chiropody services and the level of service provided were a matter for individual health boards and so a degree of variation in practice developed over time. I understand that priority is usually given to certain groups of people, including people who are medical card holders aged 65 years and over. In several regions the service is provided by private chiropodists by arrangement with the HSE.

I consider that it is inappropriate for private chiropodists who are providing services on behalf of the HSE to charge patients a top-up fee, and I have conveyed this view formally to the HSE. My Department requested the HSE to review the fee arrangements in place for the provision of chiropody services, with a view to ensuring that such additional fees will no longer be levied on persons in receipt of this service. While considerable work has taken place to develop arrangements which would ensure that no top-up charges are applied, it is necessary to ensure that any such arrangements and the process by which they are arrived at comply with the terms of the Competition Act 2002. In this context consideration is being given at present to the most appropriate way in which to put in place contractual arrangements for the provision of services by self-employed health professionals.

My Department is currently preparing legislation to clarify and update existing legislation on eligibility for health and personal social services. The Bill will define specific health and personal services more clearly; define who should be eligible for what services; set out clear criteria for eligibility; establish when and in what circumstances charges may be made and provide for an appeals framework.

Insurance Industry.

Mary O'Rourke

Question:

294 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if he will have a review of the insurance case of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon. [31954/07]

As this case is currently being processed through the Courts, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on this matter.

Departmental Publications.

Brian Hayes

Question:

295 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Transport if his Department published an annual report in 2007; if not, when his Department plan to publish one; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31935/07]

My Department published its Annual Report for 2006 on 11th June 2007. It is available by download from our website (www.transport.ie) or in hard copy, by contacting the Governance Support Division of my Department.

Road Safety.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

296 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport if he recently received a report from the Road Safety Authority regarding a review of the weight limits for small public service vehicles; the status of such a report; if he referred it back to the authority and the reasons for same; when it will be published; if there is expected to be legislation required to address the findings of the Road Safety Authority report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31948/07]

I have not received any report regarding a review of the weight limits for small public service vehicles. The regulation of small public service vehicles, including the standards for such vehicles is a matter for the Commission for Taxi Regulation.

Departmental Offices.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

297 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has carried out a study of opening hours of public offices under the control or remit of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32010/07]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

299 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport the opening hours of his Department’s public offices and public phone lines and if they close for lunch; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32060/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 297 and 299 together.

The offices of my Department are open from 9.15 am to 5.30pm Monday to Thursday, and from 9.15am to 5.15pm on Fridays. Telephony services are provided continuously during these hours including the lunchtime period.

Departmental Correspondence.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

298 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport the official forms issued by his Department for use by the public and business which can be completed on-line; the forms which cannot; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32045/07]

The information requested by the Deputy is contained in the table below:

Name of Form

Can Complete Online

Cannot Complete Online

Air Accident Investigation Unit Accident/Incident Pilot Reporting Form

Not Online for reason that Form must be signed in person by reporter

Application form for Exemption from prohibition on carrying weapons or munitions under Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order, 1973 — S.I. 224 of 1973 amended by Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) (Amendment) Order, 1989 — S.I. 130 of 1989

Not completed online

Application for Registration under Yacht and Boat Safety Scheme

Not Completed Online

Application for enrolment as IRCG volunteer

Not Completed Online

Community Rescue Boats Ireland Grant application

Not Completed Online

Mountain and Cave Rescue Grant application

Not Completed Online

RF100 — Motor Tax application for a new/imported used vehicle

Yes

RF100B — Motor Tax Renewal Form

Yes

RF100A — Motor Tax Renewal Form

Yes

RF101 — Notification of change of vehicle ownership (except to a motor dealer) or change of address or surname

Not Completed Online From 2008 designated motor dealers will be able to notify changes of vehicle ownership online.

RF105 — Notification of transfer of vehicle ownership to a Motor Dealer for vehicles registered since 1/1/93 only

Not Completed Online From 2008 designated motor dealers will be able to notify changes of vehicle ownership online.

RF111 — Change of Particulars

Not completed online

RF120 — Application for a refund of motor tax

Not completed online

RF134 — Application for replacement documents

Not completed online

RF200 — Notification of Transfer of Vehicle Ownership for vehicles registered before 1/1/93 only

Not completed online

Application Form for Annual Passenger Licence. RT1

Not completed online

Application Form for Occasional Passenger Licence. RT2

Not completed online

Application Form for Renewal of Annual Passenger Licence. RT3

Not completed online

Application Form for Transfer of Annual Passenger Licence. RT4

Not completed online

RTOL — Application for transport disc(s)/replacement discs.

Not Completed Online

RTOL — Application for Road Passenger Transport Operator’s Licence

Not Completed Online

RTOL — Application for Road Haulage Operator’s Licence

Not Completed Online

RTOL — Application for a new/ replacement Certificate of Professional Competence

Not Completed Online

RTOL — Application for replacement Community Authorisation

Not Completed Online

RTOL — Application for replacement certified copy of Community Authorisation

Not Completed Online

RTOL — Application for ECMT annual licences for 2007

Not Completed Online

RTOL — Bilateral Permit application form

Not Completed Online

RTOL — Application for driver attestation

Not Completed Online

RTOL — Application for a Conformity of Production (COP) document

Not Completed Online

RTOL — Notification of change of transport manager

Not Completed Online

RTOL — Application for a replacement transport operator’s licence

Not Completed Online

RTOL — Consent to repute enquiry form

Not Completed Online

RTOL — Application for Temporary Permission to carry on a Road Transport Operator’s Business on the basis of death/incapacity of the licensee

Not Completed Online

RTOL — Declaration for deleting vehicle from Road Transport Operator’s License

Not Completed Online

Form A Application For Permission To Change The Name Of An Irish Ship

Not Completed Online

Form B&D1 Return Of Birth Or Death

Not Completed Online

Form Eng 2 Report Of Changes, Including Releases, In The Crew Of A Ship Registered Under The Irish Flag, Trading In The Near Continental Middle Trade Or Unlimited Trading Areas

Not Completed Online

Form Eng 3 Report Of Changes, Including Releases, In The Crew Of A Passenger Vessel Registered Under The Irish Flag Operating In The Near Continental Trading Area

Not Completed Online

Form GR342 Notice Of Name Proposed For An Irish Ship

Not Completed Online

Form Dis. O.3 Application For Verification Of Services At Sea

Not Completed Online

Form RC4 Application For An Irish Seafarer’s Identity Card And/Or Seafarer’s Record Book And Certificates Of Discharge

Not Completed Online

Application For Lost/Stolen/Distroyed Irish Seafarer’s Identity Card And/Or Seafarer’s Record Book And Certificates Of Discharge

Not Completed Online

M.S.M Application For Emergency Service Medal And/Or Certificate

Not Completed Online

Application For A Temporary Certificate Of Registry

Not Completed Online

Form 1 Medical Screening Questionnaire

Not Completed Online

Form 2 Medical Examination

Not Completed Online

Form 3 Seafarer Medical Certificate (Eng 11)

Not Completed Online

Form 4 Result Of Medical Appeal

Not Completed Online

Form 5 Eyesight Test Certificate Mercantile Marine And Fishing Services

Not Completed Online

Form ARF Accident And Dangerous Occurrences Report Form

Not Completed Online

EXN 2 Application For Examination As A Deck Officer On Merchant Ships And Fishing Vessels

Not Completed Online

EXN 3 Application For Examination For A Certificate Of Competency As An Engineer Officer In Merchant Ships And Fishing Vessels

Not Completed Online

EXN 44 Application To Be Examined For A Certificate Of Qualification As Able Seaman Or Efficient Deck Hand

Not Completed Online

EXN 79 Application For A Dangerous Cargo Endorsement

Not Completed Online

Application For Replacement Certificate Of Competency

Not Completed Online

Application For A Certificate Of Equivalent Competency

Not Completed Online

Application For Revalidation Of An Existing Deck Or Engineer Officer Certificate Of Competency

Not Completed Online

Survey 6 Application For Survey Or Inspection

Not Completed Online

Sur 118 Certificate Of Particulars Of Engines

Not Completed Online

Application For Passenger Boat Licence

Not Completed Online

Application For Safe Manning Document

Not Completed Online

EPIRB Registration

Not Completed Online

Ships Radio Licence Transfer form

Not Completed Online

Ship’s Radio Licence Application

Not Completed Online

Authority to Operate

Not Completed Online

Question No. 299 answered with QuestionNo. 297.

Departmental Offices.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

300 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport the opening hours for the public offices and telephone lines and if they close for lunch for each of the agencies and State bodies that are under the control of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32075/07]

The question of the opening hours and telephone lines for the agencies and State bodies that are under the aegis of my Department is a day to day operational matter for determination by the organisations concerned. I have no statutory responsibility for such matters and my Department does not maintain records of this nature.

Road Network.

Darragh O'Brien

Question:

301 Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Minister for Transport the progress of the outer orbital route; when he expects any proposed route to go on public display to accept submissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32218/07]

As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in respect of the national roads programme element of Transport 21. The implementation of individual national road projects is a matter for the National Roads Authority, NRA, under the Roads Act, 1993 in conjunction with the relevant local authorities.

Both Transport 21 and the National Development Plan committed the NRA to carrying out a feasibility study on the Orbital Route. Earlier this year, the NRA completed an updated feasibility study which built on a 2001 study which considered, in particular, the costs and benefits of such a route. The updated NRA study finds that there is merit in constructing an Orbital Route linking Drogheda, Navan and Naas.

As part of the study, various possible route corridors were examined in detail. A corridor linking Drogheda to Navan to Naas was identified as the optimum route having regard to the policy objectives set out in the various policy documents on the route. The study is under detailed consideration within my Department.

Air Services.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

302 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the progress made in the Government’s efforts to retain the Shannon/Heathrow route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32316/07]

The securing and maintaining of routes is a matter for the relevant Airport Authority. Since the announcement by Aer Lingus of its decision to withdraw from the Shannon Heathrow route the Shannon Airport Authority has been actively engaging with airlines with a view to securing new services that would redress the reduction in connectivity that will follow from withdrawal of the Aer Lingus service. With a view to promoting the development of new services the airport has published a European Hub Airport Incentive Scheme for services to come into operation in 2008.

The Airport Authority has specifically identified airline services to the key European Hub airports of London-Heathrow (LHR), Paris (CDG), Amsterdam (AMS) and Frankfurt Main (FRA) as being of key strategic importance to its ongoing development. The Scheme also provides for significant discounts in airport charges and for the possibility of marketing support to be provided by Shannon Airport for new services.

Separately, I have also asked my Department to consult with the EU Commission on the options for facilitating the provision of air services to meet the connectivity requirements of the west of Ireland in a liberalised, competitive aviation market.

Road Safety.

Damien English

Question:

303 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has held discussions with the Department of Finance with the view of assessing the removal of VAT on road safety products such as cycling helmets, high visibility clothing and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32336/07]

My Department has not held discussions with the Minister for Finance in relation to the VAT issue referred to. Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) the promotion of road safety awareness measures is a matter for the Road Safety Authority.

Departmental Records.

Damien English

Question:

304 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport the way his Department disposes of redundant information technology equipment; if he is satisfied that all stored information has been removed prior to disposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32356/07]

My Department disposes of redundant information technology by donating it to charitable organisations or in some cases by offering it to staff as part of a wider policy to facilitate increased ICT skills within the Department. Where neither of these is appropriate, an external company is engaged to dispose of the equipment in an environmentally acceptable manner.

In all cases, the information stored on the equipment is erased to the DOD 5220.22M standard which was established by the US Department of Defence (DoD) in 1995 and is, I am informed, today, one of the most widely accepted methods of expunging data from magnetic media.

Departmental Staff.

Damien English

Question:

305 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport the number of press officers that are employed in his Department, employed in each agency reporting to his Department, were employed in his Department in 2002 and were employed in each agency reporting to his Department in 2002; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [32371/07]

The following table provides the information required by the Deputy.

Current number of Press Officers

Number of Press Officers in 2002

Department of Transport

1

1

Dublin Transportation Office

1

0

Commission for Aviation Regulation

0

0

Medical Bureau of Road Safety

0

0

Railway Safety Commission

0

0

National Roads Authority

1

1

Commission for Taxi Regulation

0

0

Road Safety Authority

0

0

Departmental Websites.

Damien English

Question:

306 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport if podcasts are available for download by members of the public on websites maintained by his Department and its agencies; if not, his plans to introduce podcasts as a communications tool; if so, the number of times a podcast has been downloaded to date in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32386/07]

There is one podcast available on www.transport.ie. This was first made available on 21 July 2006. Statistics in relation to the number of times the podcast was downloaded are not available. My Department continuously reviews its communications channels and strategies and will consider using podcasts in cases where these offer an appropriate opportunity to deliver more effective communications.

The provision of podcasts by agencies or bodies under the aegis of my Department is a matter for the day to day management of those agencies.

Departmental Properties.

Damien English

Question:

307 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport the works or measures that have taken place in 2007 to make his Departmental buildings more environmentally friendly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32401/07]

As part of its ongoing commitment to promote a more sustainable work environment my Department has strengthened its recycling capabilities during 2007.

New contract arrangements for recycling cardboard and plastic materials have been introduced. In addition, a pilot scheme to broaden the range of materials to be recycled has been established. The Department keeps under review opportunities for reducing and recycling, in particular items such as office consumables.

Insurance Industry.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

308 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport the number of companies offering motor insurance operating in this State; and the amount of profit they have made per annum over the past five years. [32421/07]

The details requested by the Deputy do not fall under the remit of my Department. Information of this nature is published annually by the Financial Regulator in the Insurance Statistical Review.

Public Transport.

Simon Coveney

Question:

309 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Transport the proportion of buses in the Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann fleets that run on alternative fuels or on hybrid engines; his plans to ensure that buses commissioned in the future rely on such technologies; the improvements that have been made in the fuel efficiency of the Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann fleets through replacement of older vehicles; and the future plans that exist in this area. [32429/07]

I am working to achieve emissions reductions in the public transport fleet. I have requested CIE to move to using a 5% biodiesel blend in current CIE vehicles and to plan for a 30% blend in new vehicles. My Department is working with CIE to establish how these targets can be achieved in the shortest time frame possible.

Dublin Bus will be leasing, with financial support from my Department, a prototype hybrid electric double-decker bus in 2008 on a trial basis. It is estimated that this vehicle can achieve 34% less fuel consumption than a standard bus. Dublin Bus will consider the further acquisition of hybrid electric vehicles as part of future fleet replacement.

Both Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus have been undertaking trials on the use of biofuels. Bus Éireann announced in April 2006 its decision to pilot the use of biodiesel produced from recovered vegetable oil (RVO) in part of its Cork City tours fleet. In May 2006 Dublin Bus announced that it would use bio-diesel made from RVO on a trial basis in five open-top tour buses, which have been operating without any technical difficulties.

The completion of projects identified in Transport 21 will, for example, see public transport capacity in the Greater Dublin Area almost double by 2016. Modelling of the impacts of Transport 21 in the Greater Dublin Area shows a reduction of almost 20% in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions during rush hour in 2016, compared to a situation without Transport 21 in place, with the complementary implementation of demand side management (DSM) measures. Transport 21 also provides funding for fleet replacement. All 239 Transport 21 coaches/buses currently on order, or about to be ordered, will have Euro IV engines; 160 in the first phase of Transport 21 and 79 in the second phase. Bus Éireann will also purchase 60 coaches with Euro IV engines which have lower emissions.

I have also announced the preparation of a Sustainable Travel and Transport Action Plan, which will set out a broad suite of policies and measures to help the transport sector progress along a more sustainable trajectory and make a further contribution to reducing emissions to 2020.

Parking Facilities.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

310 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport his plans to make parking facilities for bicycles users at Luas stations more secure in view of the fact that numerous bicycles are stolen every week at Luas stops from users of public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32438/07]

This is a day to day operational matter for the Railway Procurement Agency and the Garda. I have no function in the matter.

Road Safety.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

311 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Transport the changes that are to be made in relation to legislation regarding tinted glass in car windows; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32458/07]

Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No 477 of 2006) this is a matter for the Road Safety Authority.

Public Transport.

Tony Gregory

Question:

312 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Transport the arrangements made by his Department with a company (details supplied) for its operations into Dublin City. [32525/07]

European Council Regulation (EEC) No 684/92 as amended by Council Regulation (EC) No 11/98 provides for the granting of International Authorisations enabling bus operators to provide regular international road passenger services between EU member states.

Polonia Transport applied to the Polish Authorities for two International Authorisations to provide regular international road passenger transport services from Bialystox and Rzeszow to Dublin. The Polish Authorities in accordance with Article 7 of Council Regulation (EEC) No. 684/92, as amended, forwarded the applications to all Member States in whose territories the service passes through, regardless on whether passengers are picked up or set down, for their approval.

My Department considered the applications received from the Polish Authorities in accordance with the relevant Regulations and informed them that we had no objections to the granting of the Authorisations to Polonia Transport to provide regular services between Poland and Ireland. However it was indicated to the Polish Authorities that the company would be required to seek bus stop approval from the Garda for any bus stop they proposed to use before they could begin operating the service. My Department understands that an agreement was reached between Polonia and the Garda in this regard.

My Department has been advised that the Polish Authorities granted two Authorisations as applied for by Polonia Transport.

Emigrant Support Services.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

313 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the recent meeting of the British-Irish Inter-Parliamentary Body adopted a report on the Irish community in Britain (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32528/07]

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

329 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the report on the Irish community in Britain presented to the British-Irish Inter-Parliamentary Body; his views on the importance of the recommendations made in the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32532/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 313 and 329 together.

I welcome this report to the British-Irish Inter-Parliamentary Body and commend the members of Committee D for focusing on the Irish Community in Britain. Most of the recommendations in the report are addressed to the British Government, but of course the Government views them with great interest.

The Chairman, Lord Alf Dubs, and the other members of Committee D have been widely congratulated on their report on the Irish Community in Britain. The report's conclusions include that some among the elderly Irish Community in Britain remain vulnerable and more susceptible to a number of problems, including drug and alcohol abuse, heart disease, isolation, mental health issues and even suicide. While the Committee's findings did not reveal any particularly new data, their report supports the view that the British government has a duty of care to the Irish community, and reflects the almost unanimous agreement by the British members of the Committee that the Irish community in Britain should be given more support by the British government and local authorities. Reaching out to and strengthening links with the Irish community in Britain and with those of Irish ancestry has been, and continues to be, a cornerstone of Government policy. The establishment and operation of the Irish Abroad Unit in the Department of Foreign Affairs has greatly enhanced our capacity to develop and implement our policies in this regard.

Britain is home to the largest and most significant population of Irish born people outside of our own island. They remain the recipients of the vast majority of the funding which the Government provides to assist our communities overseas. Total funding in Britain this year will exceed €11.5 million. This represents an increase of more than €1 million over the funds made available in 2006. Approximately €50 million has been provided since the Government commenced funding Irish community organisations in 1984.

The primary emphasis of Government funding in Britain continues to be directed at supporting frontline welfare services. I am pleased, however, that the additional funding available in recent years has made it possible for me to broaden the range of projects and extend the reach of our activities in Britain. The support for front line agencies in their social outreach programmes helps them to assist our most vulnerable fellow countrymen and women, including the elderly members of the community susceptible to health and social problems. In this regard, the report states that "the Committee were pleased to learn that the number of Irish people in Britain who are homeless is falling" and stated that "this must be, at least in part, due to the work of the Irish Community groups who are funded by the Irish Government". This also reflects the findings of the Simon Community who attributed the decrease in Irish homelessness in London to Government funding. They said "the number of Irish people on central London streets is at a record low. We do an independent head-count twice a year and in 1999 over 600 Irish were on the streets of central London now there are only about 100, and most of them are young".

The report also recommends that attention be paid to maintaining and encouraging closer links with second and third generation members of the Irish Community in Britain. The expansion this year of the Government's funding of Irish heritage, through the provision of grants to the British Provincial Council of the GAA and to Comhaltas Ceoltoirí Eireann, is aimed at addressing that very point. I hope that this funding will assist future generations of Irish in Britain, the children and grandchildren of emigrants, to maintain strong links with their Irish identity through our culture, heritage, music and sport.

Departmental Publications.

Brian Hayes

Question:

314 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department published an annual report in 2007; if not, when his Department plan to publish one; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31930/07]

My Department's Annual Report for 2006 was published and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas in February of this year. It is my intention that the 2007 Annual Report will be published and laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas in spring 2008. In addition to the overall Annual Report for the Department, a number of annual reports relating to specific areas of the Department were published this year.

The Irish Aid Annual Report for 2006 was published on 30 August and the 2006 Annual Report of the Advisory Board for Irish Aid was published in May of this year. All of these reports were published in both Irish and English.

The 2006 Annual Report of the Independent Audit Committee of the Department of Foreign Affairs will be published in mid December.

Departmental Offices.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

315 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department has carried out a study of opening hours of public offices under the control or remit of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32005/07]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

317 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the opening hours of his Department’s public offices and public phone lines and if they close for lunch; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32055/07]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

318 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the opening hours for the public offices and telephone lines and if they close for lunch for each of the agencies and State bodies that are under the control of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32070/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 315, 317 and 318 together.

My Department has a number of public offices and telephone services available to the public. The Passport offices operating in Dublin and Cork have public opening hours from 9.30 until 4.30, Monday through Friday. There is also an ‘out-of-hours' emergency service which operates in the evenings and at weekends. The telephone lines responding to regular Passport queries operate from 9.00 until 5.00, after which phone calls are re-directed to information about the emergency services provided.

My Department also provides a Consular Services office for document authentication, certificates to marry abroad, applications for citizenship through Foreign Births registration. The public office is open 9.30 — 1.00 and 2.30 — 4.00. Telephone queries are also answered from 9.30 — 1.00 and 2.30 — 4.00, Monday through Friday.

The telephone service to the Department of Foreign Affairs is operated on a 24 hour basis, seven days a week. Ireland currently has a network of 75 resident diplomatic and consular Missions abroad and 87 Honorary Consulates. The opening times of these public offices vary from location to location, in accordance with local custom and practice. Our diplomatic Missions also operate an ‘out-of-hours' emergency service which operates in the evenings and at weekends. There are no agencies or State bodies which operate under the control of my Department. There are however a number of advisory groups operating under its aegis: the Advisory Board for Development Cooperation Ireland; the Development Education Advisory Committee; and the Díon Committee (which advises on support for our emigrant communities in Britain). As advisory bodies, they do not operate public offices or independent phone lines.

The Ireland-United States Commission for Educational Exchange (the Fulbright Commission), has autonomy of management and administration in accordance with the Educational Exchange (Ireland and the United States of America) Act, 1991. I understand that they operate a telephone service from 9.00 until 5.15, Monday through Friday, but that they do not have a public office. My Department has not carried out a specific study of opening hours of public offices under my control or remit. However, opening hours are kept under regular review, to ensure optimum service to customers.

Departmental Correspondence.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

316 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the official forms issued by his Department for use by the public and business which can be completed on-line; the forms which can not; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32040/07]

There are a wide variety of forms issued by my Department for use by both the public and other organisations. I have set out below a table of the forms and their on-line completion status.

The application forms issued by the Passport Office are of particular importance as they are used by such a large number of citizens. The Passport Office provides passport application forms in both Irish and English. While specimen copies are available on the Department's website www.dfa.ie, applicants must complete a pre-printed form. This is available at post offices and Garda stations throughout the country and at Embassies and Consulates abroad. Completion of a pre-printed passport form is necessary for a number of security related reasons, including the transfer of the applicant's signature to the form and the authentication of the official stamps of witnesses. In view of these requirements, the provision of an on-line application facility would present particular challenges; however, the matter will be kept under continuing review. At the same time, an innovative online tracking system, which was introduced in late 2006, enables applicants to track the progress of their passport applications.

Form Description

On-Line Completion Status

Passport Application Form

Form available in hard copy only.

Certificate de Coutume/Letter of Freedom to Marry Abroad

Form available in hard copy only.

Foreign Births Registration

Form available in hard copy only

Supporting Irish Emigrant Services

Form is available on the Department Website and must be submitted in hard copy. Ability to complete on-line will be available in January 2008.

Communicating Europe Initiative

Form is available on the Department Website and can be submitted via e-mail.

Notification of arrival form and Application for Identify Cards for Diplomats and staff of Foreign Missions in Ireland

Forms are available on the Department Website and must be submitted by fax or in hard copy as signatures and on occasion photos are needed.

Application form for the Rapid Response Corps

Form can be completed online

UN Internship Application Form

Form can be completed online

Election Observation Register Application Form

Form can be completed online

UN Volunteers Personal History Statement

Form can be completed online

EU Election Observers Roster

Form can be completed online

OSCE Election Observers Roster

Form can be completed online

Application form for the Emergency Humanitarian Assistance Fund (EHAF)/Emergency Preparednesss and Post-Emergency Recovery Preparedness and Post Emergency Recovery Fund (EPPR)

Form cannot be completed online, but is available on website for download

Development Education Funding Scheme: One Year Grant Application form

Form cannot be completed online, but is available on website for download

Development Education Funding Scheme: Multi-annual Grant Application form

Form cannot be completed online, but is available on website for download

Development Education Funding Scheme: Research Grant Application form

Form cannot be completed online, but is available on website for download

Micro-Project Scheme Application

Form cannot be completed online, but is available on website for download

Civil Society Fund Application

Form cannot be completed online, but is available on website for download

Fellowship Training Programme Application form

Form cannot be completed online, but is available on website for download

Reconciliation Fund

Form is available on the Department website. Must be submitted in hard copy

Questions Nos. 317 and 318 answered with Question No. 315.

Human Rights Issues.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

319 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the conditions in state homes in Bulgaria which accommodate children and adults with intellectual disabilities; if he will he press the Bulgarian Government, as a fellow EU Member State, to take measures to alleviate these conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32315/07]

I share deep concerns regarding the welfare of vulnerable people in institutional care in Bulgaria. The need for action to address this disturbing legacy of past policies and attitudes was highlighted during Bulgaria's negotiations for accession to the EU While some progress was made before accession, the Bulgarian authorities recognise that more needs to be done. The EU continues to support this reform process and some €5 million of EU funding will next year be directed towards the development of alternative care arrangements for people resident in such institutions.

Providing an alternative to large-scale institutional care is a process that requires careful planning and adequate funding. There is a general recognition amongst those dealing with this situation on the ground that the solution must be well thought out, be applicable generally throughout the system, and have the interests of the children as the driving force behind it.

With regard to the institution which featured in a recent BBC documentary, I am advised that the Bulgarian authorities are working closely with a group of Non-Governmental Organisations and UNICEF in the implementation of an agreed action plan. As a result, medical evaluations of the children have been carried out and a number of them have received hospital treatment. The children are also being assessed to determine the full extent of their problems with a view to producing detailed plans for their futures. The local authorities have authorised additional funding and supplies to immediately improve the welfare of those living there. A new Director has been appointed to the institution and the rest of the staff are receiving training by a group of specialists in this field. Ultimately, it is planned to close the orphanage and to provide specialist care through the creation of smaller group homes.

In light of the BBC documentary, I have asked our Ambassador to Bulgaria to convey my concerns regarding the welfare of these vulnerable people to the appropriate authorities in Bulgaria, and to request an update on the situation. The Ambassador and other officials in the Embassy will also inform the Bulgarian authorities of the strong public interest in Ireland in seeing a dramatic improvement in the standards of care given to people in institutional care in Bulgaria.

Ireland's engagement and concerns are also expressed in other ways. In recent years, the Department of Foreign Affairs has supported NGOs active in Bulgaria on the protection of children at risk and the rehabilitation of people with intellectual disabilities. Organisations supported include the Bulgarian Association for People with Intellectual Disabilities.

The Irish Embassy in Sofia maintains close contact with organisations working to improve the living conditions of the children and young adults in such institutions. A number of Irish citizens and organisations are also involved and the Embassy supports them in their work whenever possible. The Deputy can be assured that we will continue to urge the speedy implementation of the necessary reforms.

Departmental Records.

Damien English

Question:

320 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way his Department disposes of redundant information technology equipment; if he is satisfied that all stored information has been removed prior to disposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32351/07]

The Department of Foreign Affairs disposes of all redundant information technology equipment in accordance with the EU Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations.

I recently decided that my Department should donate the bulk of its redundant PCs at Headquarters to the charity Camara for reuse in developing countries and this process is underway. The storage media in these PCs are subjected to an overwrite programme which is run seven times to ensure that all data is removed. This is in excess of international best practice which recommends the programme is run three times.

In some situations, it is necessary for security reasons to destroy rather than recycle certain computer equipment. In these situations, all media which store information are removed prior to disposal. In the presence of an official from my Department, these media are processed so as to render any data irrecoverable. These media devices are then escorted to a registered recycling centre, where they are shredded immediately to 4mm fragments. These fragments, and the remaining parts of the equipment, are then recycled in accordance with WEEE and EPA rules.

I am satisfied that these measures provide assurance that any stored information on the Department's ICT equipment has been removed prior to the reuse or disposal.

Departmental Staff.

Damien English

Question:

321 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of press officers that are employed in his Department, employed in each agency reporting to his Department, were employed in his Department in 2002 and were employed in each agency reporting to his Department in 2002; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [32366/07]

There is one press officer in the press office of the Department, together with a Press Adviser, whom I appointed in 2004. The position in 2002 was that there were two press officers in the press office. In a number of our larger Missions abroad (for instance, London, the EU Permanent Representation Brussels and Washington), designated diplomatic officers carry out press-related duties.

Within the Department's Development Cooperation Directorate, which manages the Irish Aid Programme, there is one official and one person in a contract position working on public information. In 2002, Irish Aid had one official working in the public information area.

There are no Agencies operating under the aegis of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Number of Press Officers/Press Advisers employed at the Department of Foreign Affairs

2002

2007

2

2

Departmental Websites.

Damien English

Question:

322 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if podcasts are available for download by members of the public on websites maintained by his Department and its agencies; if not, his plans to introduce podcasts as a communications tool; if so, the number of times a podcast has been downloaded to date in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32381/07]

There are currently no podcasts on any websites maintained by my Department. While the Department's primary site (www.dfa.ie ) has the technical capacity to accommodate such services, there are no immediate plans to develop them at this stage.

Departmental Properties.

Damien English

Question:

323 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the works or measures that have taken place in 2007 to make his Departmental buildings more environmentally friendly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32396/07]

During 2007, two major building projects have been undertaken by the Office of Public Works (OPW) on behalf of my Department.

Construction of the new Irish Aid Headquarters building in Limerick is well advanced and will be completed in the first quarter of 2008. Work is nearing completion on the new Irish Aid Volunteering and Information Centre building in O'Connell Street, Dublin.

I understand from the OPW that these buildings incorporate significant environmentally friendly design elements, such as low energy light fittings. Furthermore, the building in Limerick will have natural ventilation, which reduces the need for energy consuming air handling systems, and the building in Dublin is equipped with an air conditioning heat recovery system, which reduces energy demand.

Foreign Conflicts.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

324 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the deteriorating situation in Somalia, described by UN officials in the region as a bigger humanitarian crisis than Darfur; his views on the role that the so-called war on terror has played in creating this catastrophe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32422/07]

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

326 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing conflict in Somalia, with particular reference to violence in the capital Mogadishu; the details of discussions he has held at international level, be it EU or UN, with counterparts with regard to trying to offer assistance to those innocent persons so terribly afflicted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32467/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 324 and 326 together.

I am aware of the seriousness of the current situation in Somalia. Somalia has been without an effective government since 1991, and the situation there has worsened in recent months following initial stability after the December 2006 Ethiopian invasion. An upsurge in violence was triggered at the end of October by the killings of Ethiopian soldiers, whose bodies were later dragged through the streets. There has been intense fighting in the capital Mogadishu between Ethiopian and Transitional Federal Government (TFG) forces on the one hand, and clan militias and Islamists on the other hand, prompting many to flee the capital.

UNHCR estimates that more than 200,000 people have fled Mogadishu since the start of November. It is now estimated that 60% of the population of Mogadishu, or 600,000 people, have been displaced from there since February. This brings the total number of people displaced since the start of 2007 to approximately one million and up to one and a half million need humanitarian aid. Most of those fleeing Mogadishu have sought shelter in temporary settlements near Afgooye. A UN inter-agency mission which visited a small number of these sites noted critical requirements for shelter materials, water & sanitary facilities, health care and livelihood interventions. The problems faced by humanitarian organisations who are attempting to assist those displaced include lack of access to and from air strips, administrative impediments, TFG ‘taxes' on relief goods, and the arrest of personnel (the Director of Operations of the World Food Programme was detained from 17-23 October).

The situation in Somalia was discussed at the UN Security Council in October. The Special Representative of the Secretary General, Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, will brief the Security Council in December, following his ongoing visit to Somalia, where he has held discussions with President Yusuf, and the new Prime Minister Nur Hassan Hussein, on the need to resolve the ongoing crisis by peaceful means. Mr Ould-Abdallah also met with NGOs and members of the Somali opposition in Djibouti last week.

Somalia was discussed by senior EU officials in Brussels on 21 November. The next General Affairs and External Affairs Council on 10-11 December is likely to take up the issue of Somalia, and agree Council Conclusions on the way forward. I will ensure that these Conclusions stress the need for a political solution to the violence in Somalia, without which there is no prospect of putting an end to the suffering of the Somali people. I also believe that the issue of humanitarian access is critically important, and that the EU should use its influence in this regard.

Irish Aid support to Somalia amounted to over €5 million in 2006, and over €7 million so far this year. This funding is channelled through Irish and international NGOs, as well as UN agencies such as OCHA, UNDP, the World Food Programme and UNICEF. I will continue to follow this tragic situation closely.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

325 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing humanitarian tragedy in Congo; the details of discussions he has held at international level, be it EU or UN, with counterparts with regard to trying to offer assistance to those innocent persons so terribly afflicted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32466/07]

The renewed conflict in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and the major humanitarian emergency to which it has given rise, poses a serious threat to the transition process in that country and needs to be addressed urgently. A number of armed militias are preying on the population in North and South Kivu provinces, and attempts by government troops to resolve the situation by force risk visiting further suffering on the people of the region. Ethnic violence between Hutu and Tutsi factions has further heightened tensions.

Closer regional cooperation in addressing this situation is vital. I therefore very much welcome the recent communiqué between the DRC and Rwanda, signed on 9 November in Nairobi, vowing to tackle the problems in the east of the DRC in an integrated fashion. It is important that the DRC Army, the FARDC, should act impartially, and carry out its operations with full respect for human rights and the rule of law, ensuring that it is not seen as being aligned with any particular ethnic group.

My EU colleagues and I last discussed the situation in the east of the DRC at the General Affairs and External Relations Council in October. Following our discussion, the EU issued a Declaration calling for an end to the violence and expressing its deep concern in particular over the concentration of military forces in the region and urging a constructive dialogue between all concerned parties.

In the period 2005 to date Ireland has provided over €16.75 million in humanitarian assistance to the DRC. Almost €8 million has been provided thus far in 2007. I am extremely concerned about the humanitarian impact of the fighting this year in North Kivu, which has forced more than 370,000 civilians to flee their homes. Also many tens of thousands of displaced people in the province of South Kivu face serious food shortages in the coming months after their crops were destroyed by heavy rainfall in the region. Ireland remains committed to continuing to support the DRC, including through provision of emergency and recovery assistance as well as any other forms of assistance deemed appropriate.

Ultimately, an end to the conflict in eastern DRC will only be found by the creation of stability and the establishment of the rule of law throughout DRC. Security sector reform, demobilisation and disarmament, ending impunity, and establishing an effective, fair and transparent system of justice are all urgently required. The European Union, including Ireland, is fully committed to helping the Congolese government to tackle these problems. On the ground, the EUPOL DR Congo mission is assisting in police reform, and the EUSEC DR Congo mission is offering guidance on army integration and other security issues. In 2006, Ireland provided €500,000 to support demobilisation and disarmament in the wider Great Lakes region. Establishing stability and justice will be a slow process, but the EU is committed to providing assistance in the long term.

The international community is also attempting to address the ongoing conflict in DRC. I fully support the work of the United Nations in the DRC, especially the contribution that the UN's peace-keeping mission, MONUC, has made to ensuring stability in the Ituri region in the north. The DRC is also one of four country situations where the International Criminal Court (ICC) has currently decided to act, and two individuals from DRC have been arrested and will stand trial in The Hague. The ICC Chief Prosecutor is currently in the process of selecting a third case from the DRC.

Question No. 326 answered with QuestionNo. 324.

British-Ireland Interparliamentary Body.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

327 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is following the progress of the British-Irish Inter-Parliamentary body; his views on the future development of the Body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32530/07]

The British-Irish Inter-Parliamentary Body met most recently in Plenary on 25-27 November. The British-Irish Inter-Parliamentary Body has played an important role in developing mutual understanding and strengthening relations among the people of these islands. As a former co-chair of the BIIPB I have long been an admirer of its work.

I have no doubt that the changed context arising from the positive developments in Northern Ireland will present new opportunities for the Body, but its future direction is a matter for consideration by the Body itself.

The Government is committed to the establishment of the East West Parliamentary framework, and the North/South Parliamentary forum, as envisaged by the Good Friday Agreement and the St Andrews Agreement. In this context I welcome the motion adopted by the BIIPB at its meeting last month ‘to initiate consultations with the Northern Ireland Assembly, the governments and the other relevant elected institutions with a view to making recommendations as to the formation of the inclusive East-West inter-parliamentary framework which will embrace all interests, as envisaged in the St. Andrews Agreement'.

Northern Ireland Issues.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

328 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on discussions he has had with Mr. Shaun Woodward MP, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in respect of the 20 October 2007 murder near Oram in County Monaghan; if the Secretary of State sought assistance in the matter; and ifhe will make a statement on the matter. [32531/07]

This was a particularly brutal and shocking murder, which has been widely and rightly condemned. My thoughts and sympathies are with the family of the deceased young man.

A very active investigation by An Garda Síochána is ongoing, with excellent and continuing co-operation and assistance from the PSNI. I would urge anyone who has any information on this killing to pass it on to the two police forces. It is only through full co-operation with the law enforcement agencies that the authors of this vicious crime will be brought to justice.

Secretary of State Woodward spoke with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr Brian Lenihan T.D., by telephone on 13 November regarding the ongoing criminal investigation. Minister Lenihan reviewed progress on the case with Secretary of State Woodward's colleague with responsibility for criminal justice, Minister Paul Goggins, when they met in Dublin on 27 November.

Question No. 329 answered with QuestionNo. 313.

Job Creation.

Dara Calleary

Question:

330 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of IDA backed jobs created in each of the designated hub towns of the National Spatial Strategy since 2003 and the level of investment involved broken down by town. [31885/07]

Dara Calleary

Question:

331 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of IDA backed jobs created in the designated gateway towns of the National Spatial Strategy since 2003 and the level of investment involved broken down by town. [31886/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 330 and 331 together.

The Forfás Annual Employment Survey records jobs gained and lost in companies supported by the Industrial Development Agencies. Data is compiled on an annualised basis and is aggregated at county level only. Data in relation to 2007 will not be available until mid 2008. The number of jobs created in IDA supported companies in each county in each of the years 2003to 2006 is set out in the following tabular statement.

Total Capital (Fixed Asset) Investment in job creation projects supported by IDA Ireland in the period 2003 to 2006 is €6.5 billion. A breakdown of this figure on an annual basis is set out in the following tabular statement. I have asked the Secretary of IDA to examine your request for this information on a county basis and to revert to you on the matter in due course.

Table showing the number of new jobs created in IDA supported companies on a county-by-county basis in each of the years 2003 to 2006

County

2003

2004

2005

2006

Carlow

8

19

44

20

Cavan

12

31

0

2

Clare

15

49

129

27

Cork

1,208

1,339

1,216

2,235

Donegal

141

136

252

106

Dublin

3,586

5,545

5,879

5,403

Galway

804

713

1,336

554

Kerry

84

100

104

73

Kildare

555

529

629

465

Kilkenny

2

66

95

15

Laois

2

18

12

18

Leitrim

575

159

11

9

Limerick

131

455

374

789

Longford

141

99

213

180

Louth

39

101

110

228

Mayo

109

145

88

37

Meath

44

49

158

46

Monaghan

10

0

4

30

Offaly

19

71

56

81

Roscommon

35

45

31

10

Sligo

103

213

109

193

Tipperary North

46

52

38

8

Tipperary South

113

94

56

233

Waterford

554

248

351

702

Westmeath

130

151

332

151

Wexford

134

333

71

102

Wicklow

799

212

334

129

Table showing the Total Capital (Fixed Asset) investment in Job creation projects supported by IDA in each of the years 2003 to 2006

Year

Approved Capital (Fixed Asset) Investment in Job Creation Projects

€ million

2003

1,440

2004

1,700

2005

760

2006

2,600

Dara Calleary

Question:

332 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of Enterprise Ireland backed jobs created in the designated gateway towns of the National Spatial Strategy since 2003 and the level of investment involved broken down by town. [31887/07]

Dara Calleary

Question:

333 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of Enterprise Ireland backed jobs created in the designated hub towns of the National Spatial Strategy since 2003 and the level of investment involved broken down by town. [31888/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 332 and 333 together.

The Forfás Annual Employment Survey records jobs gained and lost in companies supported by the Industrial Development Agencies. Data is compiled on an annualised basis and is aggregated at county level only. Data in relation to 2007 will not be available until mid 2008. The number of jobs created in Enterprise Ireland supported companies in counties with Hub and Gateway towns was 15,281 and 30,319 respectively for the years 2003 to 2006. A breakdown of these figures is set out in the following tabular statement.

Table showing the number of jobs created in EI supported companies on a county-by-county basis with Gateway towns in each of the years 2003 to 2006

Job creation in Counties with Gateway Towns

Gateways

2003

2004

2005

2006

Cork

1,386

1,688

1,500

1,353

Donegal

250

272

453

431

Dublin City

1,891

1,839

2,261

2,052

Dublin South County

1,267

1,039

1,031

749

Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown

688

659

583

703

Galway

570

921

558

816

Limerick*

45

60

3

47

Louth

212

519

468

434

Offaly

108

133

165

140

Sligo

160

103

197

145

Waterford

416

336

163

368

Westmeath

224

369

239

305

Source: Forfás Employment Survey 2006.

Table showing the number of jobs created in EI supported companies on a county-by-county basis with Hub towns in each of the years 2003 to 2006

Job creation in Counties with Hub Towns

Hubs

2003

2004

2005

2006

Cork

1,386

1,688

1,500

1,353

Cavan

481

516

1,021

806

Clare*

20

0

10

12

Galway

570

921

558

816

Kerry*

64

83

67

86

Kilkenny

300

194

161

261

Mayo

181

184

397

294

Wexford

523

178

413

237

Source: Forfás Employment Survey 2006.

*Please note these figures do not include Shannon Development Clients.

The number of jobs created in Shannon Development supported companies in counties with Hub and Gateway towns for the years 2003 to 2006 are set out in the following tabular statement.

Job Creation in Shannon Development Companies in Counties with Gateway Towns in each of the years 2003 to 2006

Gateway

2003

2004

2005

2006

Limerick City

220

157

286

298

Co. Limerick

256

250

412

515

Source: Shannon Development.

Job Creation in Shannon Development Companies in Counties with Hub Towns in each of the years 2003 to 2006

Hub

2003

2004

2005

2006

Clare

105

101

119

154

SFZ—

Indigenous

97

156

157

77

Foreign

402

417

293

472

Nth. Kerry

109

106

226

145

Nth. Tipperary

207

180

262

227

Source: Shannon Development.

Dara Calleary

Question:

334 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of county enterprise board backed jobs created in the designated gateway towns of the National Spatial Strategy since 2003 and the level of investment involved broken down by town. [31889/07]

The establishment of the thirty-five County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) pre-dated the development of the National Spatial Strategy. The CEBs were set up in 1993 to provide support for micro-enterprises in the start-up and expansion phases, to promote and develop indigenous micro-enterprise potential and to stimulate economic activity and entrepreneurship at locallevel.

As the geographical structure of the CEBs is not in accordance with the geographical structure of the National Spatial Strategy, and as the CEBs do not have a defined role in the roll-out of the Strategy, the manner in which the CEBs present statistical data in respect of their geographical area of responsibility does not automatically correspond to the regions designated as Gateways under the National Spatial Strategy. However given their inherent regional structure and their remit of stimulating local economic development any success by the CEBs in fulfilling this remit has a positive impact on overall balanced regional development which is a key aim of the National Spatial Strategy.

The statistical information set out below is based on activity by individual CEBs in their geographical areas of responsibility within which there are areas designated as Gateways under the National Spatial Strategy. In the case of Dublin, Cork, Limerick/Shannon, Galway and Waterford all CEB activities are shown. In the other cases only CEB activities in these particular towns are shown. Figures for 2007 to date are provisional at present.

Gateways Jobs Created

CEB

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007 to-date

Dublin

Dublin City

84

38

83

137

148

Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown

73.5

85

70.5

46

59

Fingal

61

74

37

84

52

South Dublin

102

102

55

65

91

Cork

Cork City

80

27

31

49

26

West Cork

29

36

34

26

13

South Cork

23

31

24

26

55

North Cork

0

0

0

0

0

Limerick/Shannon

Limerick City

50

31

58

34

39

Limerick County

61

57

48

54

34

Clare

98

67

66

50

39

Galway

Galway

146

90

148

147

161

Waterford

Waterford County

25

47

40

65

30

Waterford City

20.5

12.5

23

20

14

Louth

Dundalk

55

20

41

25

19.5

Sligo

Sligo

46

34

28

72

30

Donegal

Letterkenny

1

28

12

31

6

Westmeath

Athlone

16.5

5.5

4

2.5

6.5

Mullingar

15.5

29.5

21

17.5

6

Offaly

Tullamore

26

19

16

31

10

Gateways Level of Investment €

CEB

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Dublin

Dublin City

599,707

428,166

589,472

682,736

445,626

Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown

490,656

455,453

634,771

453,693

526,532

Fingal

374,200

538,405

286,721

459,874

530,924

South Dublin

393,426

411,804

391,939

482,250

366,250

Cork

Cork City

329,632

257,511

73,907

180,738

168,681

West Cork

225,727

257,877

316,735

258,297

53,445

South Cork

376,465

176,941

271,392

358,126

361,744

North Cork

0

0

0

0

0

Limerick/Shannon

Limerick City

206,829

171,622

231,650

189,964

134,257

Limerick County

391,628

399,397

377,930

349,758

322,703

Clare

331,732

178,824

288,713

376,530

300,314

Galway

Galway

409,296

440,936

433,602

422,077

539,210

Waterford

Waterford County

285,868

321,827

236,116

226,164

147,532

Waterford City

212,511

296,373

194,595

163,420

197,720

Louth

Dundalk

56,200

64,340

41,360

122,591

67,625

Sligo

Sligo

339,459

227,872

293,234

280,811

357,791

Donegal

Letterkenny

4,909

124,625

17,500

239,649

3,750

Westmeath

Athlone

88,708

30,506

7,393

19,714

52,500

Mullingar

91,434

176,911

111,184

132,717

130,837

Offaly

Tullamore

78,790

40,500

125,209

94,850

35,541

Dara Calleary

Question:

335 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of county enterprise board backed jobs created in the designated hub towns of the National Spatial Strategy since 2003 and the level of investment involved broken down by town. [31890/07]

The establishment of the thirty-five County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) pre-dated the development of the National Spatial Strategy. The CEBs were set up in 1993 to provide support for micro-enterprises in the start-up and expansion phases, to promote and develop indigenous micro-enterprise potential and to stimulate economic activity and entrepreneurship at local level.

As the geographical structure of the CEBs is not in accordance with the geographical structure of the National Spatial Strategy, and as the CEBs do not have a defined role in the roll-out of the Strategy, the manner in which the CEBs present statistical data in respect of their geographical area of responsibility does not automatically correspond to the regions designated as Hubs under the National Spatial Strategy. However given their inherent regional structure and their remit of stimulating local economic development any achievements by the CEBs have a positive impact on overall balanced regional development which is a key aim of the National Spatial Strategy.

The statistical information as follows shows CEB activity in areas designated as Hubs under the National Spatial Strategy. These figures are a subset of the County-wide activities of the CEBs in question. Figures for 2007 to date are provisional at present.

Designated Hubs Jobs Created

CEB

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007 to-date

Cavan

Cavan

27

36

43

25

28

Clare

Ennis

22

20

19

11

15

Kilkenny

Kilkenny City

14

17

20

19

15

North Cork

Mallow

0

0

0

0

0

Monaghan

Monaghan Town

6

1

1

4

5

Galway

Tuam

18

20

16

21

6

Wexford

Wexford Town

15

18

20

9

10

Mayo

Ballina

3

7

6

5

6

Castlebar

19

24

10

24

1

Kerry

Tralee

41

25

27

22

25

Killarney

23

14

29

14

18

Designated Hubs Level of Investment €

CEB

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Cavan

Cavan

97,828

91,802

78,163

47,947

23,759

Clare

Ennis

132,840

141,423

141,859

95,414

87,403

Kilkenny

Kilkenny City

209,313

99,357

116,022

126,714

15,333

North Cork

Mallow

0

0

0

0

0

Monaghan

Monaghan Town

39,225

6,350

7,500

31,490

37,500

Galway

Tuam

55,050

119,440

73,938

66,050

46,000

Wexford

Wexford Town

73,000

129,900

85,171

53,344

41,580

Mayo

Ballina

51,879

22,800

12,166

19,659

54,150

Castlebar

51,000

98,563

36,882

137,886

5,000

Kerry

Tralee

200,632

100,633

57,853

150,772

107,737

Killarney

159,392

27,163

46,250

36,838

19,310

Departmental Publications.

Brian Hayes

Question:

336 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department published an annual report in 2007; if not, when his Department plan to publish one; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31927/07]

My Department published our Annual Report for 2006 in April this year. The Report is available on my Department's website at www.entemp.ie.

Departmental Offices.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

337 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department has carried out a study of opening hours of public offices under the control or remit of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32002/07]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

339 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the opening hours of his Department’s public offices and public phone lines and if they close for lunch; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32052/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 337 and 339 together.

The opening hours of my Department are 9.15 am to 5.30 pm on Mondays to Thursdays inclusive and 9.15 am to 5.15 pm on Fridays. The phone lines of my Department are open during the same periods and remain open for a further 15 minutes each evening. The phone lines and the Department do not close for lunch.

Within the Department itself and in some of the offices of the Department, there are public offices and public phone lines specifically dedicated to dealing with enquiries etc from members of the public. The information requested by the Deputy in respect of those offices is set out hereunder in tabular form:

Opening Hours of Public Office

Opening Hours of Public Phones

Employment Permits Section

No public office per se but opening hours of Employment Permits Section same as for the Department above.

9.30 am to 5.00 pm (Monday to Friday inclusive) with 1 hour closure for lunch each day (1.00 pm to 2.00 pm)

Companies Registration Office

9.30 am to 4.30 pm (Monday to Friday inclusive, including lunch time)

9.15 am to 5.30 pm (Monday to Friday inclusive). Closed for lunch each day (1.00 pm to 2.00 pm)

Registry of Friendly Societies

10.00 am to 4.30 pm (Monday to Friday inclusive). Closed for lunch each day (1.00 pm to 2.15 pm)

9.15 am to 5.30 pm (Monday to Friday inclusive). Closed for lunch each day (1.00 pm to 2.15 pm)

Office of The Director of Corporate Enforcement

No public office per se but opening hours of O.D.C.E. same as for the Department above.

9.15 am to 5.30 pm (Monday to Thursday inclusive) and 9.15 am to 5.15 pm on Fridays. Closed for lunch each day (1.00 pm to 2.15 pm)

Patents Office, Kilkenny Patents Information Centre, Dublin

9.45.am to 4.15 pm (Monday to Friday including lunch time)

9.15 am to 5.30 pm (Monday to Thursday inclusive) and 9.15 am to 5.15 pm on Fridays including lunch time each day.

National Employment Rights Agency (Carlow and Dublin)

9.15 am to 5.30 pm (Monday to Thursday inclusive) and 9.15 am to 5.15 pm on Fridays. One-hour closure at lunchtime each day.

9.30 am to 5.00 pm (Monday to Friday inclusive) including lunchtime.

Labour CourtLabour Relations Commission

8.30 am to 6.30 pm (Monday to Friday inclusive including lunch time)

8.30 am to 6.30 pm (Monday to Friday inclusive including lunch time)

Employment Appeals Tribunal

9.15 am to 5.30 pm (Monday to Thursday inclusive) and 9.15 am to 5.15 pm on Fridays including lunchtime each day.

9.15 am to 5.30 pm (Monday to Thursday inclusive) and 9.15 am to 5.15 pm on Fridays including lunchtime each day.

The Department has not carried out a specific study of the opening hours of the public offices under its control or remit but keeps the matter under review and responds appropriately to changing circumstances.

Departmental Correspondence.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

338 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the official forms issued by his Department for use by the public and business which can be completed on-line; the forms which can not; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32037/07]

The following is the information requested by the Deputy:

Name of Form

Can form be downloaded?

Can form be completed on-line?

Complaint Form under our Quality Customer Service Charter

Yes

Yes

The Freedom of Information Request Form

Yes

Yes

The National Employment Rights Authority of my Department (NERA) has only one form on which clients can set out matters that they want investigated.

No

No — This is “manual” at present but will be on-line when the NERA Website is set up

The most widely used Redundancy Payments form is the RP50, which is used for making rebate and lump sum applications from the Social Insurance Fund in relation to statutory redundancy entitlements. This form may be completed on line using the electronic Redundancy Payments System which is available on the Department’s website. 52% of all such applications are made on-line and this is comparable to ROS, the Revenue on-line service.

Yes

Yes

Three other Redundancy Payments forms, the RP6, RP9 and RP77, are available to download but may not be completed on-line, mainly due to the fact that these are seldom used by our customers. There are no plans at this time to make these forms available for completion on-line.

No

No

The following forms used for the processing of payment to employees from the Insolvency Payments Scheme in the event of the insolvency of their employer cannot be completed on-line. EIP1 (Employee Application for payment of wages, sick pay, holiday pay and pay in lieu of minimum notice) EIP3 (Application/Certification by Relevant Officers (i.e. Liquidators/ Receivers) of employee claims on Forms EIP1 and EIP4) EIP4 (Employee Application for payment of a wide range of entitlements that they might be owed (e.g. awards made under employment rights legislation covering such issues as unfair dismissals, discrimination, working time, minimum wages etc)) EIP6 (Application for payment of unpaid occupation pension scheme contributions or PRSA (Personal Retirement Savings Account))) EIP7 (Actuarial Certificate in relation to Form EIP6) EIP8 (Application by Relevant Officers (i.e. Liquidators/Receivers) for payment of fees in respect of the processing of employee claims)

Yes

No

An application form for an employment agency licence under the Employment Agency Act 1971 cannot be completed on-line. Currently this application form to my Department must be accompanied by a newspaper advertisement placed by the applicant and by a Garda vetting form which the Garda Vetting Unit insist should contain an original manuscript signature of the applicant-electronic signatures are not accepted by the Garda Vetting Unit. In the circumstances it is not appropriate for the application form for an employment agency licence to be completed on-line.

Yes

No

Name of Form

Can form be downloaded?

Can form be completed on-line?

Form OWT1, on which employers record the working hours of employees under the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997, can not be completed on-line. It is not appropriate for this form to be completed on-line as it is completed and retained by employers at their place of business and is not returned to my Department.

Yes

No

Notice of Intention to apply for a Negotiation Licence

Yes

No

The application form for a Trade Union Negotiation Licence can be downloaded from Department’s website but not completed on-line

Yes

No

The Employment Appeals Tribunal’s forms, used by individuals to seek redress of an alleged infringement of their statutory rights under employment legislation, are available to download from the Tribunal’s website but cannot be completed on-line.

Yes

No

Trade Marks

Application to register a Trade Mark (Form No. 1)

Yes

No

Notice under paragraph 9(2) of the Third Schedule to the Trade Marks Act, 1996 (Form No. 2)

No

No

Application to register details of an Assignment

Yes

No

Application to register details of a Licence

Yes

No

Application to register details of a Security Interest

Yes

No

Application for Amendment of the Register

Yes

No

Form of Application for Registration as aTrade Mark Agent

Yes

No

Patents

Request for Grant (Form No. 1)

Yes

No

Statement of Inventorship (Form No. 2)

Yes

No

Certificate of grant of a Patent (Form No. 3)

No

No

Patent Renewal (Form No. 4)

Yes

No

Authorisation of Agent (Form No. 5)

Yes

No

Request for Controller’s Certificate authorising release of sample of micro-organism Rule 14(6) (Form No. 6)

No

No

Notification to Controller that a sample of a micro-organism may be made available only to an expert Rule 14(13) (Form No. 7)

No

No

Request for Controller’s Certificate authorising release of sample of micro-organism to expert Rule 14 (16) (Form No. 8)

No

No

Application to Register an Assignment

Yes

No

Application to Register Licence / Mortgage / Security Interest

Yes

No

Form of Application for Registration as a Patent Agent

Yes

No

Name of Form

Can form be downloaded?

Can form be completed on-line?

Designs

Application to Register a Single Design (Form No. 1)

Yes

No

Application to Register a Multiple Design (Form No. 1A)

Yes

No

Certificate of Registration of a Design (Form No. 2)

No

No

Notice Under Paragraph 3 of First Schedule to the Industrial Designs Act 2001 (Form No. 3)

No

No

Application to Register a Security Interest

Yes

No

Application to Register an Assignment

Yes

No

The Irish SOLVIT Centre, which is located in my Department and is an informal problem-solving network created to solve problems that EU citizens or businesses are experiencing with the public administrations of EU Member States associated with a denial of their Internal Market rights, has made available online its complaint forms.

Yes

No

The official forms issued by the Employment Permits Section of my Department for use by the public and business are: (a) New Employment Permit Application form (b) Renewal Permit Application form (c) Intra Company Transfer Application form At present these forms are available to download on-line but there is no facility for on-line submission currently available. It is intended to develop a new Employment Permits Management System in 2008, which will include an on-line facility.

Yes

No — although it is intended to develop a new Employment Permits Management System in 2008, which will include an on-line facility.

Insofar as the European Social Fund (ESF) is concerned, the “Form Bs”, which are used for Certification of ESF monies to the European Commission, can be accessed on-line by Final Beneficiaries which can be either public or business users. However, they cannot be completed on-line as they require two authorised signatures.

Yes

No

Application Forms for import licences are available for download on my department’s website. However, the applications must be submitted in hard copy as original supporting documentation is required.

Yes

No

Application Forms for export licences are available for download on my department’s website. However, the applications must be submitted in hard copy as original supporting documentation is required.

Yes

No — although in cooperation in industry, my Department has developed an on-line export licence application system — OELAS — which is currently undergoing final testing with a view to going live by the end of the year.

Application Forms to my Department for Scheme of Accreditation for Third Level Research Organisations which is aimed at the Third Level Education sector

Yes

No

Indemnity form for lost/destroyed payable order. This form is issued when a supplier reports that a payable order has not been received or has been destroyed

No

No — original signatures are required

EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) mandate form issued when a supplier opts to receive payment directly into a bank account

No

No — original signatures are required

Name of Form

Can form be downloaded?

Can form be completed on-line?

Companies Registration Office (CRO) form B1 — Annual Return

Yes

Yes

CRO B10 — Change of director and/or secretary, or in their particulars

Yes

Yes

CRO B2 — Change of registered office

Yes

Yes

CRO B3 — Notice of places where register of members, debenture holders, directors service contracts/memoranda are kept

Yes

Yes

CRO B69 — Statutory declaration that a person has ceased to be a director or secretary of a company

Yes

Yes

CRO B73 — Nomination of a new annual return date.

Yes

Yes

CRO B77 — Notice of Authorisation/Revocation of Authorisation of an Electronic Filing Agent

Yes

Yes

CRO F4 — Changes in authorised persons/persons responsible for compliance with regulations/address of branch or place of business of external company.

Yes

Yes

CRO G1 — Special resolution

Yes

Yes

CRO G1Q Change of name special resolution

Yes

Yes

CRO G2 — Ordinary resolution

Yes

Yes

CRO M1 — Notification re a multi-member company changing to a single-member company.

Yes

Yes

CRO M2 — Notification re a single-member company changing to a multi-member company.

Yes

Yes

CRO RBN1 — Application for registration of a business name by an individual.

Yes

Yes

CRO RBN1A — Application for registration of a business name by a partnership.

Yes

Yes

CRO RBN1B — Application for registration of a business name by a body corporate.

Yes

Yes

CRO RBN2 — Nature of change in particulars registered by an individual

Yes

Yes

CRO RBN2A — Nature of change in particulars registered by a partnership

Yes

Yes

CRO RBN2B — Nature of change in particulars registered by a body corporate.

Yes

Yes

CRO A/c1 — Opening a deposit account

Yes

No

CRO A1 — Company incorporation

Yes

No

CRO A2/44 — Statutory declaration by company which has filed prospectus.

Yes

No

CRO A3/44A — Statutory declaration by company which has filed statement in lieu of prospectus.

Yes

No

CRO A4/70 — Application by a public limited company to commence business and declaration of particulars.

Yes

No

CRO B11/80 — Statement of particulars of rights attached to shares allotted and not otherwise registerable.

Yes

No

Name of Form

Can form be downloaded?

Can form be completed on-line?

CRO B13/82 — Notice of assignment of name or new name to any class of shares registerable under section 39(4) Companies (Amendment) Act 1983.

Yes

No

CRO B18 — Registration of a prospectus approved by IFSRA for issue by an Irish Registered Company

Yes

No

CRO B18A — Registration of a local offering document for an amount not exceeding €2,500,000

Yes

No

CRO B1u — Group accounts, b1u

Yes

No

CRO B22/81 — Statement of particulars of variation of rights attached to shares and not otherwise registerable.

Yes

No

CRO B28/19 — Notice to shareholders pursuant to section 204(4) Companies Act 1963.

Yes

No

CRO B29/18 — Notice to dissenting shareholders pursuant to section 204(1) Companies Act 1963.

Yes

No

CRO B32/55 — Statement in lieu of prospectus (private company being converted into public company).

Yes

No

CRO B34/67A — Revocation of notice to carry on business as an investment company.

Yes

No

CRO B39/55A — Statement in lieu of prospectus (public company).

Yes

No

CRO B4 — Notice of increase in authorised capital

Yes

No

CRO B5 — Return of allotments

Yes

No

CRO B6/52 — Particulars of contract relating to shares.

Yes

No

CRO B67 — Application for a certificate stating that a company has a real and continuous link with one or more economic activities that are being carried on in the State.

Yes

No

CRO B68 — Notice that a company falls within one or more of the categories specified in the Table to section 45 of the Companies (Amendment) (No. 2) Act, 1999 and should not therefore be included for the purpose of determining the number of companies of which a person is a director.

Yes

No

CRO B7/28 — Notice of consolidation and division, or conversion into stock of shares, or of the re-conversion into shares of stock, or the subdivision or redemption or cancellation of shares.

Yes

No

CRO B70 — Notice that a person holding the office of director or secretary of a company has died.

Yes

No

CRO B74 — Statement of Directors Disqualifications

Yes

No

CRO B9/11 — Notice of increase in members

Yes

No

CRO C1 — Mortgage or charge created by Irish company

Yes

No

CRO C2/47C — Notice that charge has been registered in country where property is situated.

Yes

No

Name of Form

Can form be downloaded?

Can form be completed on-line?

CRO C3/47B — Particulars of a charge subject to which property has been acquired by a company incorporated in the State

Yes

No

CRO C4/47A — Series of debentures.

Yes

No

CRO C5/48 — Further issue of debentures.

Yes

No

CRO C6 — Statutory declaration of satisfaction of a charge.

Yes

No

CRO C7 — Statutory declaration of partial satisfaction of a charge

Yes

No

CRO D1/71 — Application by a private or unlimited company for re-registration as a public limited company.

Yes

No

CRO D1/72 — Declaration of compliance by a private or unlimited company with the requirements for re-registration as a public limited company.

Yes

No

CRO D10/83 — Application by a public limited company for re-registration as another form of company following cancellation of shares and diminution of share capital.

Yes

No

CRO D12/86 — Application by an unlimited company to be re-registered as limited.

Yes

No

CRO D13/65 — Notice of application made to the court for the cancellation of a special resolution regarding re-registration.

Yes

No

CRO D17/78 — Application by an existing joint stock company for registration as a public limited company limited by shares.

Yes

No

CRO D17/79 — Declaration of compliance by an existing joint stock company in connection with registration as a public limited company.

Yes

No

CRO D2/73 — Application by an old public limited company for re-registration as a public limited company.

Yes

No

CRO D2/74 — Declaration by director or secretary on application by an old public limited company for re-registration as a public limited company.

Yes

No

CRO D3/75 — Declaration by an old public limited company that it does not meet the requirements for a public limited company.

Yes

No

CRO D4/76 — Application by a public limited company for re-registration as a private company.

Yes

No

CRO D5/77 — Application by a public limited company for re-registration as another form of company following a court order.

Yes

No

CRO D6 — Application by a limited company to be re-registered as unlimited.

Yes

No

CRO E1/12 — Declaration of solvency.

Yes

No

CRO E10/17 — Statement of affairs.

Yes

No

CRO E11/57A — Notice of cessation by receiver.

Yes

No

CRO E2/39A — Notice of appointment of liquidator.

Yes

No

CRO E24 — Notice of petition to appoint examiner

Yes

No

Name of Form

Can form be downloaded?

Can form be completed on-line?

CRO E3/21 — Liquidator’s account of his/her acts and dealings and of the conduct of the winding up pursuant to section 262 or 272.

Yes

No

CRO E4/22 — Liquidator’s affidavit verifying his/her account under section 306.

Yes

No

CRO E4/23 — Liquidator’s statement of accounts pursuant to section 306.

Yes

No

CRO E5/14 — Liquidator’s final statement of account (members or creditors’ winding up) pursuant to section 263 or 273 Companies Act 1963.

Yes

No

CRO E6/13 — Return of final winding up meeting (members’ voluntary winding up) pursuant to section 263 Companies Act 1963.

Yes

No

CRO E60 series — Publication of Notice for CRO Gazette

Yes

No

CRO E7/13A — Return of final winding up meeting of members and creditors (creditors’ voluntary winding up) pursuant to section 273 Companies Act 1963.

Yes

No

CRO E8/53 — Notice of appointment of receiver.

Yes

No

CRO E9/57 — Receiver’s abstract.

Yes

No

CRO F1 — Registration of a place of business by an external company.

Yes

No

CRO F12 — Registration of a company which is a branch of a European country company.

Yes

No

CRO F13 — Registration of a company which is a branch of a non-European country company

Yes

No

CRO F14 — Notification of winding up/closure of branch of an external company.

Yes

No

CRO F15 — Notice of judgement opening insolvency proceedings in another Member State/decision appointing liquidator.

Yes

No

CRO F2 — Alterations in the memorandum/articles of external company.

Yes

No

CRO F3 — Change in directors/secretary/persons who represent an external company.

Yes

No

CRO F7 — Return of accounting documents of an external company

Yes

No

CRO F8/8E — Particulars of a charge on property in the state created by a company incorporated outside the state.

Yes

No

CRO F9/9E — Particulars of a charge subject to which property in the state has been acquired by a company incorporated outside the state.

Yes

No

CRO G5 — Statutory declaration of compliance.

Yes

No

CRO H1 — Restoration of a company to the register. (This form can only be used, to restore a company, within 12 months from date of dissolution).

Yes

No

CRO H1R — Application for restoration to register of company struck off for failure to furnish statement to Revenue required by section 882 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997.

Yes

No

CRO H2 — Notice of disclosure order.

Yes

No

CRO H3 — Notice of removal of auditor.

Yes

No

Name of Form

Can form be downloaded?

Can form be completed on-line?

CRO H4 — Notification of notice that proper books of account are not kept.

Yes

No

CRO H5 — Return by a company purchasing its own shares and/or shares in a holding company.

Yes

No

CRO H5a — Return for re-issue of former treasury shares

Yes

No

CRO H8 — Particulars of a disqualification order

Yes

No

CRO IG1 — Registration of EEIG whose official address is in Ireland.

Yes

No

CRO IG2 — Registration of grouping establishment in Ireland for EEIG whose official address is outside Ireland.

Yes

No

CRO IG3 — Notice of setting up of grouping establishment of an EEIG whose official address is in Ireland.

Yes

No

CRO IG4 — Notice of closure of grouping establishment of an EEIG.

Yes

No

CRO IG5 — Notice of manager’s particulars and of termination of appointment.

Yes

No

CRO IG6 — Notice of documents and particulars required to be filed by EEIG.

Yes

No

CRO IG7 — Notice of proposal to transfer official address of an EEIG.

Yes

No

CRO IG8 — Annual return for EEIG.

Yes

No

CRO J1 — Application to act as filing agent.

Yes

No

CRO J1A — Application to act as a statutory electronic filing agent, pursuant to section 57 of the Investment Funds Companies and Miscellaneous Provisions Acts 2005, and the nomination of verification signatories

Yes

No

CRO J2 — Application by an individual for CRO Identification Number (CRO ID) and Personal Identification Number (PIN) for purposes of electronic filing of CRO forms

Yes

No

CRO J3 — Authorisation of agent.

Yes

No

CRO J4 — Changes to electronic filing authorisations.

Yes

No

CRO LP1 — Application for registration of a limited partnership.

Yes

No

CRO LP2 — Notice of change in a limited partnership.

Yes

No

CRO LP3 — Statement of the capital contributed by limited partners.

Yes

No

CRO LP4 — Statement of increase of capital contributed in cash, or otherwise, by limited partners.

Yes

No

CRO P1 — Return of accounting documents of partnerships and limited partnerships.

Yes

No

CRO RBN3 — Cessation of business under a business name by a registered individual, partnership or body corporate.

Yes

No

CRO SE1 — Formation by merger of Societas Europaea

Yes

No

CRO SE2 — Formation of holding Societas Europaea

Yes

No

CRO SE3 — Formation of subsidiary Societas Europaea

Yes

No

Name of Form

Can form be downloaded?

Can form be completed on-line?

CRO SE4 — Conversion of plc to Societas Europaea

Yes

No

CRO SE5 — Formation of subsidiary Societas Europaea by SE

Yes

No

CRO SE6 — Transfer of SE registered office to ROI

Yes

No

CRO SE7 — Transfer of SE registered office from ROI

Yes

No

CRO SE8 — Statement of solvency by directors of SE which is proposing to transfer from ROI

Yes

No

CRO SE9 — Request by SE for assignment of new ARD

Yes

No

CRO SE10 — Proposed transfer of registered office of SE from ROI

Yes

No

CRO SE11 — Draft terms of formation of holding SE involving an ROI registered company or SE

Yes

No

CRO SE12 — Draft terms of conversion of plc to SE

Yes

No

CRO SE13 — Notice of satisfaction of conditions for the formation of holding SE by an Irish company/SE

Yes

No

CRO SE14 — Amendments of statutes of SE

Yes

No

CRO SE15 — Notice of initiation of or termination of winding up liquidation, insolvency or cessation of payment procedures and decisions to continue operating of SE

Yes

No

Registry of Friendly Societies (RFS) Form A — Application to register a society

Yes

No

RFS Form B — Application to register a partial amendment of rules

Yes

No

RFS Form C — Declaration in support of an amendment of rules

Yes

No

RFS Form D — Application to register a complete amendment of rules

Yes

No

RFS Form F — Request to cancel registry

Yes

No

RFS Form J — Advertisement of Cancelling

Yes

No

RFS Form K — Notice of change of registered office

Yes

No

RFS Form AA — Application for approval of change of name and registry of special resolution

Yes

No

RFS Form AB — declaration to accompany any application for registry of a special resolution

Yes

No

RFS Form AC — Application for registry of special resolution for amalgamation of societies

Yes

No

RFS Form AD — Application for registry of special resolution for transfer of engagements

Yes

No

RFS Form AE — Declaration by officer of society accepting transfer of engagements

Yes

No

RFS Form AF — Application for registry of special resolution for conversion into a company

Yes

No

Name of Form

Can form be downloaded?

Can form be completed on-line?

RFS Form AG — Declaration by officer of company amalgamating or accepting transfer of engagements

Yes

No

RFS Form AH — instrument of dissolution

Yes

No

RFS Form AI — Declaration to accompany Instrument (or alteration of Instrument) of Dissolution

Yes

No

RFS Form 35 — Section 8 Certificate of Dissolution of Society under the Industrial and Provident Societies (Amendment) Act 1913

Yes

No

RFS Form 233 — Special resolution for conversion of company into a society

Yes

No

RFS Form 270 — Declaration by officer of company converting itself into a registered society

Yes

No

RFS Form ar15 — Annual return form prescribed by registrar of societies for societies carrying on a business trade or industry

Yes

No

RFS Form Ar15a — Annual return form prescribed by registrar of societies for societies carrying on a business of an investment trust

Yes

No

RFS Form ar19 — Annual return form prescribed by registrar of societies for land and housing societies carrying on a business

Yes

No

RFS Form ar21 — Annual return form prescribed by registrar of societies for agricultural societies

Yes

No

RFS Form “Triennial Return” — Triennial Return by an Industrial or Provident Society under the Industrial and Provident Societies (Amendment) Act 1913

Yes

No

Occasional Trading Permit

Yes

No

Office for the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) Information Request Form (to make general enquiries of the Office)

Yes

Yes

Office for the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) FOI Request Form

Yes

Yes

Office for the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) Registration Form (to receive notification of new information placed on the Office’s website)

Yes

Yes

Office for the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) Feedback Form (to provide feedback on the services provided by the Office).

Yes

Yes

Office for the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) Complaints Form

Yes

No

Office for the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) Indictable Offences Form

Yes

No

Office for the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) Liquidators Report Form

Yes

No

Question No. 339 answered with QuestionNo. 337.

Departmental Offices.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

340 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the opening hours for the public offices and telephone lines and if they close for lunch for each of the agencies and State bodies that are under the control of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32067/07]

The issue of the opening hours for the public offices and telephone lines of the Agencies and Bodies is a day to day administration matter for the Agencies and Bodies concerned and is an area in which I have no function.

Community Employment Schemes.

Bernard Allen

Question:

341 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will end the discrimination against widows over 55 years of age who are obliged to terminate their community employment schemes after six years despite the fact that other social welfare recipients can work up until the age of 65 within the same scheme; and if he proposes to eliminate this serious discrimination. [32114/07]

Community Employment (CE) is an active labour market programme designed to provide eligible long term unemployed people and other disadvantaged persons with an opportunity to engage in useful work within their communities on a fixed term basis. CE helps unemployed people to re-enter the active workforce by breaking their experience of unemployment through a return to a work routine and to assist them to enhance and develop both their technical and personal skills.

For the majority of clients participation on CE is capped at three years. However, in November 2004 I revised the 3 year CE capping to allow those of 55 years of age and over to avail of a 6-year period on CE (based on participation since 3rd April, 2000). This measure was introduced in recognition of the fact that older participants may find it more difficult to progress into the open labour market.

The criteria for participating on the Community Employment programme are based on age and length of time in receipt of various social welfare payments. In line with Government policy, participation on employment schemes for all participants has an upper age limit of 65 years of age i.e. FÁS may provide funds to community based employers to cover participant costs until the day before their 66th birthday.

Any individual, including widows over 55, can participate on CE up to their 66th birthday provided they have not reached their participation limit in terms of years spent on the programme.

In this regard, CE still remains as an active labour market programme with the emphasis on progression into employment. The programme is managed within this context, with consideration to the availability of resources and the needs of participants and the community. The operation of the scheme is kept under constant review.

World Trade Negotiations.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

342 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the proposal of the European Commission, in terms of goods only economic partnership agreements due to be signed by 31 December 2007, which will mean that countries who did not sign the interim agreements will not have preferential access to the EU market from 1 January 2008 onwards and that article 3 of the Cotonou Agreement says that economic partnership agreements shall refrain from any measures liable to jeopardise development objectives which are poverty reduction, long term poverty eradication consistent with the objectives of sustainable development, gradual integration of the African Caribbean and Pacific countries into the world economy; the alternatives to goods only agreements he will support in order to meet these obligations while accepting that many African, Caribbean and Pacific countries call for more time to negotiate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32130/07]

The current trading arrangements under the Cotonou Agreement must come to an end on the 31st of December 2007 if the EU and our Africa Caribbean Pacific (ACP) country partners are to meet our international obligations in the World Trade Organization. Accordingly, the EU and the 6 ACP regions agreed some years ago to negotiate new arrangements, namely Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs), to replace the existing Cotonou arrangements.

Recently, however, some of the ACP regions have indicated that it will be difficult for them to agree the terms of a full EPA by that deadline. For those cases, the Commission has issued, in October last, a Communication setting out its proposals for a two-step approach. This approach is to put in place new arrangements to deal with trade in goods after the 31st of December and to continue with negotiations for all other aspects of a full EPA into next year. Without such interim arrangements, some of the ACP countries will only be able to depend on the Generalised System of Preferences from the start of 2008.

Ireland believes that the negotiations must be conducted in a spirit of goodwill, flexibility and understanding. We have always said that any resulting agreements must be supportive of ACP countries' development needs and their poverty reduction strategies. In particular we have said that we do not want to see any ACP country suffer a diminution of its preferential access to the EU.

At the EU General Affairs Council of the 21st of November last, the Development Ministers considered the current state of the negotiations for EPAs and the Commission's proposals for a two-step approach. In its Conclusions, the Council described the Commission's proposals as pragmatic and endorsed the approach as an interim solution. On the issue of continuing negotiations for full EPAs into 2008, the Council called for a flexible and phased approach. Finally, the Council called on the Commission to report back to the December General Affairs Council with recommendations to address the situation of those countries that risk having their trade with the EU disrupted.

I, along with my colleagues in Council, will give serious consideration to any proposal that meets our two objectives, namely to continue preferences for ACP countries and to comply with our WTO obligations.

Departmental Agencies.

Damien English

Question:

343 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of unsolicited enquiries received by the IDA for each of the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 from companies with a view to setting up business here; if he will provide the information in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32332/07]

Damien English

Question:

344 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of enquiries received by the IDA for each of the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 from companies with a view to setting up business here following initial contact by the IDA; if he will provide the information in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32333/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 343 and 344 together.

Under the Industrial Development Acts, IDA Ireland was established as an autonomous agency with responsibility for the attraction and development of foreign direct investment in this country. In exercising its statutory functions there are many day-to-day operational matters undertaken by the Agency in which the Minister of the day has no role.

Information relating to the numbers of contacts, solicited or otherwise, between IDA and various companies is a matter for IDA Ireland and not one on which I have any information. In general, information regarding the quantum, nature or details of contacts with existing or prospective clients is regarded as confidential and commercially sensitive by the Agency and is therefore not made public.

Economic Competitiveness.

Damien English

Question:

345 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has assessed the effect of recent rising trends in oil prices on each of small, medium and large businesses in the State; the proposal he has to alleviate the increasing cost of this commodity to such businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32334/07]

We are price takers when it comes to buying energy needed to run our economy. We are subject to the same fossil fuel cost pressures experienced in other economies.

The Government is very aware that both energy supply and cost is of strategic, competitive importance. Our approach to tackling the issue of supply and cost is clearly set out in the Government's Energy Policy that was published earlier this year. This aims to encourage alternative and renewable energy supplies, promote efficiency in the energy market (for example through the All Island Electricity Market that came into effect on 1 November) and encourage conservation and fuel saving through behaviour.

The Taoiseach and the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government recently launched an important and extensive campaign to highlight the importance of energy saving in the context of climate change. This is in addition to the Power of One campaign that identifies where business and consumers can reduce energy consumption and cut their energy costs.

Furthermore, Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) vigorously promotes and advises on energy efficiency through a range of programmes and is eager to provide its knowledge on energy conservation and cost control to the SME sector. The Government has provided considerable funding to SEI to enable the agency to significantly expand their work in this area. Under my own Department, Enterprise Ireland provides support for companies that through their innovation strategies, identify energy saving opportunities.

Damien English

Question:

346 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has assessed the effect of rising trends of local authority charges on each of small, medium and large businesses in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32335/07]

The Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government has overall responsibility for guidelines and schemes in relation to local authority charges. In the first five-year period of operation of the Development Contribution Scheme the amount collected in development contributions increased significantly. This reflected, in part, the increasing demand for infrastructure arising from our unprecedented levels of economic growth.

Arising from concerns raised by the Small Business Forum and others about the level and range of Development Contributions levied by Local Authorities, I raised this matter with my colleague, the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

An Inter-Departmental Committee was set up to look at the broad operation of locally-determined Development Contribution Schemes and the related Development Contribution Guidance. It was recognised that securing future income streams from development contributions depends on achieving the appropriate balance between the necessary levels of funding now, and the need for local authority areas to continue to represent an attractive location for future investment.

The Report of the Interdepartmental Committee was published in April 2007, and Guidance reflecting the findings of the Report was issued to Local Authorities in May 2007. The revised Guidance to Local Authorities, furthermore, emphasised the importance of consultation with local interests and, in addition to the consultation process required by legislation, all draft Development Contribution Schemes must now be submitted to the relevant County Development Board for comment.

I should also add that an appeals process already exists whereby businesses can appeal Special Development Contributions and the application of a development levy where a developer feels the scheme has not been applied in accordance with the terms set out by the Local Authority.

My Department will continue to work with the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government to ensure fairness in the imposition of Local Authority charges on the business community.

Departmental Records.

Damien English

Question:

347 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way his Department disposes of redundant information technology equipment; if he is satisfied that all stored information has been removed prior to disposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32348/07]

My Department uses reputable companies to recycle old PCs and other redundant information technology equipment and to provide a certificate of their destruction. Part of this process involves the physical destruction of hard drives.

This process is in line with best practice and gives assurance that disposal of ICT equipment will not pose a security risk to the Department or its clients.

Departmental Staff.

Damien English

Question:

348 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of press officers that are employed in his Department, employed in each agency reporting to his Department, were employed in his Department in 2002 and were employed in each agency reporting to his Department in 2002; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [32363/07]

There is one press officer employed in my Department and there was one in 2002. The employment of press officers in agencies reporting to my Department is a day to day operational matter for those agencies and I have no function in the matter.

Departmental Websites.

Damien English

Question:

349 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if podcasts are available for download by members of the public on websites maintained by his Department and its agencies; if not, his plans to introduce podcasts as a communications tool; if so, the number of times a podcast has been downloaded to date in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32378/07]

The 15 websites maintained by my Department and offices of my Department, do not have the facility for podcasts to be available for download by members of the public. The Department is satisfied with its current communications tools but will keep under review the advisability of having podcasts, and other modern technological inventions, available for download by members of the public.

The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the agencies of my Department is not available as the information sought relates to operational issues in which I have no function.

Departmental Properties.

Damien English

Question:

350 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the works or measures that have taken place in 2007 to make his Departmental buildings more environmentally friendly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32393/07]

The buildings occupied by my Department are managed and maintained by the Office of Public Works (OPW) on behalf of the Department. All matters pertaining to the heating and lighting of the Department's buildings are decided upon by the OPW in consultation with the Department. My Department is aware of the need to make the Department's buildings more environmentally friendly and during 2007 the following measures were followed to make the Department's buildings more environmentally friendly: The Department ensures that the OPW, which looks after the replacement of electric light bulbs in the Department's buildings, uses energy efficient bulbs and long life bulbs wherever possible when electric light bulbs are being replaced; The Department ensures that all lighting in the Department's nine buildings is switched off overnight; The Department ensures that the central heating arrangements for the Department's buildings are switched on and off to achieve optimum energy efficiency; The Department exhorts staff to: 1. Switch off all their computer equipment (base units, monitors and peripheral devices) at the end of each working day; 2. Switch off their PC monitors at lunch time and while attending meetings etc; 3. Ensure that the last person leaving each individual office switches off all electric lights, printers, photocopiers and heaters; The Department ensures that recycled paper is available for use in the Department; The Department provides recycling facilities in some of its buildings for newspapers, magazines, and paper generally; The Department ensures that IT equipment including toners, is recycled and makes arrangements to have mobile phones/chargers/batteries also recycled; The Department also provides recycling facilities for plastic bottles/aluminium cans in some of its buildings. The Department purchases cleaning products that are environmentally friendly. My Department will continue to implement measures to make its buildings as environmentally friendly as possible.

Departmental Agencies.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

351 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will request the IDA to make lands available in Gorey, County Wexford to the local authority, the county enterprise boards or community groups in order that they can be used as incubator units for small business or an alternative appropriate use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32435/07]

Under the Industrial Development Act of 1986, as amended by the Acts of 1993 and 1995, IDA Ireland has the power to acquire, hold and dispose of land and any other property or any interest therein for the purpose of facilitating an industrial undertaking. Accordingly, the management of IDA Ireland's industrial property portfolio is a day-to-day operational matter for the Agency, as part of the statutory responsibility assigned to it by the Oireachtas and it is not a matter in which I have a function.

As I explained to the House on 28th November last, the use to which IDA property can be put is prescribed by legislation and the disposal of property for any alternative use requires the consent of the Minister of the day. However, the Agency is always available to discuss proposals regarding availability or suitability of individual buildings with Local Authorities, Enterprise Boards or Community Groups and I will be happy to consider any request for such consent should it be required

As regards the particular query in relation to lands in Gorey, I have forwarded the enquiry to the Secretary of IDA Ireland for his attention and reply direct to you.

Health and Safety Regulations.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

352 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on whether it is appropriate that the Health and Safety Authority would carry out regular inspections of road works programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32436/07]

Road works are considered by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) as a "place of work" as defined in the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2006, and as such the Authority has included road works under its inspection and enforcement programme. However, a number of Local Authorities around the country have contested the legal basis on which the HSA conducts this programme of inspections of road works. The legal matters at issue were before the High Court last week and the judgement has been reserved. The inspection and enforcement programme of the Health and Safety Authority is a day to day matter for that Authority.

Departmental Publications.

Brian Hayes

Question:

353 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his Department published an annual report in 2007; if not, when his Department plan to publish one; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31922/07]

My Department's Annual Report for 2006 was presented to the Government on 6 June 2007. The Report is available on my Department's website http://www.arts-sport-tourism.gov.ie.

Sports Capital Programme.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

354 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when the sports grants National Lottery scheme will open for application. [31985/07]

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

The date of the next round of the Programme has not yet been decided. 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.

Departmental Offices.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

355 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his Department has carried out a study of opening hours of public offices under the control or remit of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31997/07]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

357 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the opening hours of his Department’s public offices and public phone lines and if they close for lunch; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32047/07]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

358 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the opening hours for the public offices and telephone lines and if they close for lunch for each of the agencies and State bodies that are under the control of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32062/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 355, 357 and 358 together.

The work of my core Department is such that there are a limited number of personal callers and therefore no demand for a dedicated public office at the Department's premises in Dublin or Fossa, Killarney.

To meet the needs of members of the public who do wish to contact my Department a Customer Charter has been agreed to deal with all forms of contact. This Charter, available on my Department's website, sets out the standards of service members of the public are entitled to expect from staff in my Department. The Charter is kept under review by my Department's Partnership Committee and revised as appropriate.

The National Archives of Ireland, which is part of my Department, provides services directly to members of the public. It has a Reading Room which is open to the public from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday and it remains open at lunchtime.

The extension of the Reading Room opening hours is an objective of National Archives management and they are currently working towards delivery of a commitment of extended opening to the public of at least three hours per week during 2008 in the context of the Department's Action Plan under Towards 2016.

In the meantime, the National Archives has concentrated on expanding the resources available on its website. This is reflected in the very high levels of traffic on the site. In the six months from 1 May to 31 October 2007 there were just under 9 million hits on the National Archives website, or an average of 48,342 hits per day, which makes the National Archives website one of the busiest in Ireland. Online access to the 1901 and 1911 Census returns, which will be provided incrementally over 2008, and which began with the launch of the Dublin 1911 returns on Monday of this week, is expected to increase these figures exponentially.

The opening hours of agencies under the control of my Department are a matter for the agencies themselves. Information on opening hours and telephone line availability are available directly from the agencies or from their websites.

The mark Culture Night 2007 I invited all of the Cultural Institutions funded by my Department to look at extending their opening hours. My officials are currently pursuing the matter and I hope to make an announcement early in the New Year.

Departmental Correspondence.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

356 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the official forms issued by his Department for use by the public and business which can be completed on-line; the forms which can not; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32032/07]

Insofar as is currently practicable, official forms from my Department are available either for download or to complete on-line on my Department's website: www.arts-sport-tourism.gov.ie. However any relevant supporting documents are required to be submitted in hard copy.

The application form for the Sports Capital Programme 2007 was available on the website as either a download or to be filled in on-line.

The application form for the most recent round of the ACCESS scheme (Arts and Culture Capital Enhancement Support Scheme) was available on the website for download, completion and email to the Department.

The scheme for the Approval of a Sports Capital Project for Tax Relief Purposes (Section 847A Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997) is run jointly by my Department and the Revenue Commissioners. The application form is available for download from the website but cannot be completed on-line.

Under Section 1003 of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997, tax relief is available in respect of the donation of important national heritage items to the Irish national collections. The application form is available for download from the website but cannot be completed on-line.

The application form for grant aid from Culture Ireland can be downloaded from the Culture Ireland website: www.cultureireland.gov.ie. Technical work has been done on developing an on-line application system. This is currently being tested with a select number of applicants with a view to having it available to all in 2008.

Licences are required for the export of cultural goods to locations outside of the European Union in order to protect the cultural heritage of the Member States and are sought from this Department when required. Given that the number of requests received by this Department for such EU Export of Cultural Goods forms is quite low (less than ten requests in 2007) and that those parties seeking this form have not sought to access it electronically, it is not considered to be a priority to make this form available in an on-line format.

In addition guidelines for the Business Expansion Scheme for Music are available on my Department's website. Applications for the scheme are made in the form of a Business Plan and there is no official form to accompany them.

My Department's customer comment cards are available and can be completed on-line.

Questions Nos. 357 and 358 answered with Question No. 355.

Community Development.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

359 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his Department will make moneys available from a separate fund for community developments outside of the Lotto structures. [32169/07]

My Department provides direct grant support to local and community developments under three schemes: the Sports Capital Programme, which allocates funding for the construction or improvement of sports facilities and the purchase of sports equipment, and which is part funded by proceeds of the National Lottery; the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme which provides Exchequer funding to local authorities, and local/community bodies supported by local authorities, towards the cost of providing new swimming pools or refurbishing existing pools; and the Arts and Culture Capital Enhancement Support Scheme (ACCESS), which provides Exchequer funding towards the provision of arts and culture infrastructure.

It is open to any local or community group, club or association to apply for grant support under these schemes, in accordance with the relevant application criteria and terms and conditions of these schemes. As such, I have no plans to introduce a grant scheme dedicated to supporting community groups alone.

Departmental Records.

Damien English

Question:

360 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the way his Department disposes of redundant information technology equipment; if he is satisfied that all stored information has been removed prior to disposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32343/07]

My Department's policy prior to disposing of redundant IT equipment, and specifically personal and laptop computers, is to format the hard disks of such computers, which removes all existing files and data from the computer. In addition, I would point out that, in the case of the personal computers, all of which would have been operational on my Department's network, information relating to the work of the Department is not stored on the PCs themselves but on file servers on the securely protected IT network of the Department. Users are allocated a space on the file server in which to store their files and are advised not to save files containing any important personal information on the hard drives of their PC.

Where possible, after the clearing of all data IT hardware is recycled and donated to Charitable Organisations on a first come first served basis.

The management and stewardship of computer data is kept under ongoing review, and is being addressed again in the context of the finalisation of my Department's IT Strategy 2008-10.

Departmental Staff.

Damien English

Question:

361 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of press officers that are employed in his Department, employed in each agency reporting to his Department, were employed in his Department in 2002 and were employed in each agency reporting to his Department in 2002; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [32358/07]

Currently there is one Press Advisor at Principal Officer Higher level employed in my Department. In addition, the Press Office in my Department is staffed by a Higher Executive Officer and 2 staff at Executive Officer level, one of whom is employed on a worksharing basis.

In 2002, the Press Office in my Department was staffed by one Higher Executive Officer and one Clerical Officer. The Advisor to the Minister also undertook media duties.

The staffing of Press Offices in the agencies under my Department is a day to day matter for those agencies.

Departmental Websites.

Damien English

Question:

362 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if podcasts are available for download by members of the public on websites maintained by his Department and its agencies; if not, his plans to introduce podcasts as a communications tool; if so, the number of times a podcast has been downloaded to date in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32373/07]

Podcasts are not available for download from those websites maintained by my Department, the details of which were given to the Deputy in my reply to Question No. 373 of 27 November 2007. There are no immediate plans to introduce a podcast facility, in the case of my Department's own website, a temporary website which my Department hosts for the Sea Stallion Viking Longship project and the website of the National Archives, which is part of my Department. The issue raised by the Deputy will be considered in connection with a forthcoming IT Strategy 2008-2010 for the Department.

In the case of Culture Ireland, whose website is also currently hosted by my Department, it is planning a major upgrade of the site and is planning to have podcast content before end 2008.

The websites of the statutory agencies under the aegis of my Department are a matter for those agencies themselves.

Departmental Properties.

Damien English

Question:

363 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the works or measures that have taken place in 2007 to make his Departmental buildings more environmentally friendly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32388/07]

There are currently three buildings occupied by my Department, two of which are located in Dublin at Kildare Street and South Frederick Street where my Department is not the main tenant in either building. This limits to some extent the action that can be taken directly by my Department to make them environmentally friendly. The third is at Fossa in County Kerry, which accommodates an advance party of 70 staff in the context of decentralisation of my Department to Killarney.

During 2007, an Energy Efficiency Committee was established in my Department in the context of the Partnership process to examine energy usage and raise awareness among staff of the need for energy efficiency. In conjunction with the Government's Power of One campaign, the committee organised a number of presentations for staff to outline tips on energy saving actions, both at work and in the home. An Efficiency Suggestions Scheme competition was also held, which invited staff members to make suggestions on making the Department more energy efficient.

I was delighted to personally present the prizes for the best suggestions to staff in July last. All suggestions submitted have recently been published and provided to all staff in my Department.

These initiatives resulted in notices being placed at electrical equipment and light switches in my Department to remind staff to switch off lights and equipment to save energy. In this context, staff are requested to switch off information technology and any electrical office equipment when not in use and particularly at the end of the working day. Furthermore, all personal computer monitor screens purchased by my Department in 2007 are flat-screen technology, which are far more energy efficient than the old Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) monitors used.

Where my Department is the only tenant, in the building in Fossa, it is in the process of switching over to Airtricity. This will provide wind-generated electricity to this building. My Department has also requested that the OPW carry out works on the exterior lighting of the building to ensure that as soon as the building and car park has been vacated of staff, all the exterior lighting can be switched off, with just a single light over the front door remaining on all night for security purposes. Previously the full exterior lights had remained on throughout the night.

In the context of the implementation of decentralisation, construction is currently under way on a new headquarters in Killarney, which will be a "green" building, which will provide a pleasant working environment and yet be economical to run. The design of the building, which has been carefully conceived in line with an exacting brief provided by the Office of Public Works, makes use of many environmentally friendly and energy saving features in line with best practice, nationally and internationally.

It is also my Department's policy to promote the increased usage of recycled paper as much as possible. My Department also has a system in place in all of its locations to ensure that all used waste paper is issued for recycling.

My Department's new IT Strategy for 2008-2010, which is currently in preparation, will address all possible means of maximising IT facilities and communications in terms of energy efficiency and making my Department more environmentally friendly.

Arts Funding.

Joe Costello

Question:

364 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will respond to correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32441/07]

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

365 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the establishment of a national literary centre in Dublin in order to provide a rent free base for the various literary institutes in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32469/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 364 and 365 together.

I note from the correspondence referred to in Question No. 364 that Cork City Council has provided rent-free accommodation to the Munster Literature Centre and I compliment the City Council on its initiative in this regard.

The only literary centre project that is currently under consideration in my Department is the establishment of a Museum of Irish Literature in Parnell Square. This is a commitment in the Programme for Government.

Preliminary discussions were held between my Department and Dublin City Council on how to progress the proposed Museum of Irish Literature. It was agreed that a Steering Committee would be established to progress the project. My Department has written to the relevant bodies seeking their nominations for the Steering Committee and is awaiting replies. The Steering Committee will be chaired by my Department.

Sports Funding.

Andrew Doyle

Question:

366 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the timeframe for the review of sports facilities and the national audit of local facilities; when it will report; and if the situation regarding organisations being able to drawn down lottery funding being dependent on having a long term lease will be amended. [32521/07]

As I have previously informed the House, the nationwide audit of sports facilities has commenced and is being carried out in stages to help speed up the availability of information. Phase One, which focuses on national and regional sports facilities, has now been completed within my Department. A database of sports facilities of national or regional significance has been compiled including details of facilities at third level educational institutions and swimming pools. Phase Two of the audit, which will commence shortly, is a more complex undertaking to establish a record of existing sports facilities at local level and identify the need for future provision.

The audit is part of a wider exercise to put in place a more strategic approach to the provision of sports facilities in Ireland. Work on the National Sports Facility Strategy is now underway with the assistance of a firm of consultants involving both national and international experts in the area of sports facilities. The aim of the strategy is to provide high-level policy direction for future investment/grant assistance at national, regional and local level. It is intended to identify the facilities requirement for sport so that participation at reasonable cost is feasible for those who wish to engage in sport at either amateur or elite level.

A key objective in relation to the preparation of the National Sports Facility Strategy is to ensure consistency on a nationwide basis in relation to the completion of the audit facility so that inter-regional planning can be undertaken. With this in mind, the preparation of a guidance pack and audit toolkit for use by Local Authorities and /or Local Sports Partnerships to assist them in carrying out local audit has been prioritised as part of the Sports Facility Strategy. This element of the strategy will greatly help in the completion of the audit and the compilation of a comprehensive database on the range and nature of sporting facilities at national, regional and local level.

The Sports Capital Programme is the primary means of providing Government funding to sport and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. It has operated on an annual basis and is part funded from National Lottery funds.

A total of €568m has been allocated in sports capital funding since 1998 to 6,716 sports projects across the country. Additionally over €107m in capital funding has been provided towards the redevelopment of Croke Park. In 2007 €85m was allocated towards 935 separate projects.

The Programme, as it currently operates, requires that applicants either own the site or premises of the proposed facility or that they hold it under a lease of at least twenty-two years, with at least fifteen years remaining on the lease. Primarily, this condition is to ensure that the sporting organisation is in a position to make a commitment that the grant-aided facility will remain in sporting use for a significant period.

In addition, it is necessary because grantees in receipt of funding over a specified level must enter into a Deed of Covenant and Charge in order to protect the Minister's interest and ensure that the property remains in sporting use. This places a charge on the grantee's property and in this regard, my Department is advised by the Chief State Solicitor's Office (CCSO) that a lease of twenty-one years is required in law to create a legal estate capable of supporting a charge. However, where a lease is required to be registered in the Property Registration Authority, and a solicitor fails to register the lease in time and part of the twenty-one year term then expires, the Property Registration Authority will not register the lease, and the charge that is required cannot be secured.

It is to ensure, therefore, that the lease may be registered within the timeframe required, so that the charge can be secured, that my Department, acting on the advice of the CSSO, has requested a lease of not less than twenty-two years. In this regard, it provides a safeguard for organisations that apply for capital funding under the Sports Capital Programme.

These stipulations apply to new unregistered leases only, as existing registered leases of twenty-one years or more are capable of supporting a charge. In such instances, the applicant must provide evidence that the lease has been registered with the Property Registration Authority with a minimum of 15 years remaining.

I should point out to the Deputy that this condition does not apply if the application is for equipment only.

National Carers Strategy.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

367 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason he has not kept the commitment in the Programme for Government to develop a National Carer’s Strategy by the end of 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32575/07]

Supporting and recognising carers in our society is, and has been, a priority of the Government since 1997. Over that period, weekly payment rates to carers have been greatly increased, qualifying conditions for carer's allowance have been significantly eased, coverage of the scheme has been extended and new schemes such as carer's benefit and the respite care grant have been introduced and extended.

Most recently, significant reforms came into force, which allow people in receipt of certain other social welfare payments, who are also providing full time care and attention, to retain their main welfare payment and receive another payment, depending on their means. The maximum payment will be the equivalent of a half rate carer's allowance.

One of the key Government commitments in the national partnership agreement Towards 2016 is the development of a national carer's strategy and this commitment is reiterated in the Programme for Government. I am aware that one of the recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social and Family Affairs Report on the Position of Full Time Carers, which was published in 2003, was that such a strategy should be developed.

I am pleased that we are now in a position to act on that recommendation. The strategy will focus on supporting informal and family carers in the community. While social welfare supports for carers will clearly be a key issue in the strategy, other issues such as access to respite and other services, education, training and employment will also feature strongly. Co-operation between relevant Government departments and agencies is essential if the provision of services, supports and entitlements for carers is to be fully addressed. For that reason, all relevant departments and agencies will be involved in the strategy and there will be appropriate consultation with the social partners.

My officials have been in discussions with their colleagues in other relevant Departments in order to decide on the best approach to the development of the strategy. In view of the need to ensure that appropriate arrangements and structures are in place to support its development, it will not be possible to complete the strategy by the end of this year as had been intended originally.

An inter-Departmental working group, chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach, will be established in the coming weeks to develop the strategy and to manage the consultation process. I expect the strategy to be completed by summer of 2008.

The recent improvements in the income supports available from this Department represent major improvements in supports available to carers in the community. The development of a national carers strategy provides us with an opportunity to build further on these improvements and to consider other areas where progress can be made.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

368 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people eligible for the family income supplement; the number of people in receipt of same; the average length of time to process applications; the reason for any delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32586/07]

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. With regard to the level of take up, it is not possible to estimate from administrative sources the number of families who would be eligible but do not apply for their FIS entitlements. There are currently over 20,800 people in receipt of FIS.

Entitlement to FIS is based on an applicant satisfying a means test and on certification of employment by the employer. The Department has consistently publicised the scheme in order to maximise uptake by qualified families, and undertakes a number of measures to ensure that people are aware of possible entitlement to FIS. These include advice to all persons who are awarded one parent family payment and back to work allowance recipients.

All employers are provided annually with information about the FIS scheme. Information on FIS is contained in all child benefit books and can be accessed on the Department's website. The Revenue Commissioners have also included information on FIS when writing to PAYE taxpayers with their certificates of tax credits.

Following significant improvements in the qualifying income limits in the 2006 budget, the Department undertook a week-long, nationwide awareness campaign in March of that year to encourage increased take up of the scheme. This, combined with the improvements in the income limits, resulted in a strong upward trend in the level of new claims and consequently, claims for renewals.

To date in 2007, the Department has received some 36,000 new and renewal FIS claims and has finalised a total of almost 30,000 cases. The average time it currently takes to award a FIS claim or renewal is close to 15 weeks.

The Department is taking action to improve the efficiency of claim processing to ensure that applications are processed and that decisions on entitlement are issued as expeditiously as possible. Among the following measures being taken, a review of existing processes and procedures has been completed by the Department with the explicit objective of reducing delays in claim processing; and improvements are being implemented. Priority is being given to renewal claims to ensure continuity of payment; overtime working is being done. Staffing requirements were recently reviewed and are being monitored on a ongoing basis in the light of the current volumes of claims and renewals. These measures will lead to more efficient processing and reduce the number of claims on hand. The position is being closely monitored and kept under review by the Department.

Beverley Flynn

Question:

369 Deputy Beverley Flynn asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the decision taken to refuse an application by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo for carers allowance will be reviewed. [31871/07]

The Respite Care Grant is payable to all carers, irrespective of means or contribution record, but subject to certain conditions, relating notably to employment.

The person concerned was refused a Respite Care Grant on the grounds that the Deciding Officer in her case was not satisfied that she was providing full-time care and attention. This decision was based on information supplied by the person concerned on her application form

She was recently notified of this decision and of her right to appeal it. To date, according to my Department's records, no such appeal has been lodged. However, the Deciding Officer will now review the entitlement of the person concerned taking into account the additional details of care supplied in connection with this Question. A fresh decision will be issued to the person concerned as soon as possible.

Departmental Publications.

Brian Hayes

Question:

370 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his Department published an annual report in 2007; if not, when his Department plan to publish one; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31933/07]

The annual report of my Department for the year 2006 was published in June 2007. Copies of the report were distributed to all members of Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann in July 2007. The report is available in both Irish and English and is also available on my Department's website, www.welfare.ie.

Pension Provisions.

Brendan Kenneally

Question:

371 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the length of time capital disposed of to a relative is still counted as means when making an assessment for non-contributory old age pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31975/07]

State Pension Non-Contributory is a means tested payment with entitlement to pension decided based on the income or means of the customer. In determining the means of a customer items such as cash income, including British Pensions, the value of any property (excluding a person's own home) and the value of any savings and investments which a person may have are taken into account. Customers are obliged to declare all of their means, and to inform my Department of any change in their circumstances.

Where it is determined that a customer has, directly or indirectly deprived him or herself of any income or property in order to qualify for receipt of the State Pension Non Contributory or a higher rate than he or she would otherwise be entitled that income or the value of that property shall be taken to be part of their means. The assessment of means in such circumstances is provided for under Rule 2 (3) of the Third Schedule of the SW Consolidation Act 2005.

Where the income or the value of the property assessed under this rule has reduced since the date of decision, the customer may apply to have their entitlement reviewed.

Departmental Offices.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

372 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his Department has carried out a study of opening hours of public offices under the control or remit of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32008/07]

The majority of Social Welfare Local Offices are open to the public from 9.30am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, including lunch hours. Some Local Offices, including Social Welfare Branch Offices, do not open during lunch hour as it would not be feasible given the size of the customer base and small numbers of staff working in them.

The most recent national independent customer survey, Consulting With Our Customers, carried out in 2005, indicated that 81% of customers who visited Local Offices were happy with the opening hours. Only 1% of the overall number of customers surveyed identified opening hours as an area that required improvement.

Early indications from a recent survey carried out in relation to public offices in the South-East region, have also indicated a high level of satisfaction with opening hours and office facilities.

Departmental Correspondence.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

373 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the official forms issued by his Department for use by the public and business which can be completed on-line; the forms which cannot; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32043/07]

Information in relation to all the Department's schemes and services is available from the Department's website www.welfare.ie, and application forms, in respect of all schemes, can be downloaded from this site. The facility to complete scheme application forms on-line does not currently exist on the website. Customers can however use an on-line form to notify the Department that they are unemployed and wish to make a claim for Jobseekers Benefit. The customer is subsequently contacted by the Department and arrangements are made for them to make a claim at their Local Office. Each month some 450 customers use this on-line facility. The Department’s website is currently being redeveloped and the new website will be deployed mid 2008. This new website will also facilitate the introduction of new on-line services including the development of on-line applications for welfare benefits.

Departmental Offices.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

374 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the opening hours of his Department’s public offices and public telephone lines and if they close for lunch; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32058/07]

The majority of Social Welfare Local Offices are open to the public from 9.30am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, including lunch hours. Some Local Offices, including Social Welfare Branch Offices, do not open during lunch hour as it would not be feasible given their customer base and the small number of staff working in them. The majority of Social Welfare Local Offices do however provide a phone service from 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., including lunch hour, each week day.

My Department's main phone switch board (01-8748444) operates from 8.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m., Monday to Friday, including lunch hours. The public phone lines for my Department's Social Welfare Service headquarter offices operate in the main from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, including lunch hours.

There are some minor variations such as the Letterkenny Social Welfare Services office which operates from 9.15 a.m. to 5.15 p.m. through lunch each week day. As a temporary measure the phone service in the Child Benefit EU section, which primarily deals with claims in respect of children resident outside Ireland, is available from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and 2.30 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. each week day. These reduced hours are to allow staff to concentrate on clearing the large numbers of such applications received over the last 18 months.

My Department's LoCall Information Line (1890 66 22 44) is available 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day Monday to Friday. Additionally, customers can get information on schemes and services from the Citizens Information Phone Service (LoCall 1890 777 121) each week day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Information in relation to all my Department's schemes and services is also available 24 hours a day from the Department's website www.welfare.ie, and from the Citizens Information website www.citizensinformation.ie.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

375 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the opening hours for the public offices and telephone lines and if they close for lunch for each of the agencies and State bodies that are under the control of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32073/07]

The five statutory agencies operating under the aegis of my Department are the Pensions Board, the Combat Poverty Agency, the Citizens Information Board (formerly Comhairle), the Family Support Agency and the Social Welfare Tribunal. In addition the Pensions Ombudsman comes under the remit of my Department.

The Information requested by the Deputy is set out on the schedule.

Office

Opening Hours

Hours during which phones are answered

The Pensions Board Verschoyle House 28/30 Lower Mount Street Dublin 2

9am–5pm — Mon–Fri

Office Hours.

Combat Poverty Agency Conyngham Road Islandbridge Dublin 8

8.30–1pm2pm–5pm — Mon–Fri

Office Hours.

Citizens Information Board Head Office (CIB) Hume House Ballsbridge Dublin 4

9 am–5 pm — Mon–Fri

Office Hours (Citizens Information Phone Service from 9am–9pm — Mon–Fri)

Region 1 Regional Office Park House191-193 Nth Circular Rd Dublin 7 Local Offices Cavan Dundalk

9 am–1pm 2 pm–5 pm — Mon–Thurs 9am–4.45 pm — Fri As above.

Office Hours. As above.

Region 2 Regional Office Hainault House The Square Tallaght Dublin 24 Local Offices Mullingar Tullamore

9am–1pm 2pm-5 pm — Mon–Thurs 9am–4.45 pm — Fri. As above.

Office Hours. As above.

Region 3 Regional Office 4 The Parade Kilkenny Local Office Waterford

9am–1pm 2pm–5pm Mon–Thurs 9am–4.45pm — Fri. As above.

Office Hours. Telephones are answered during lunchtime.

Region 4 Regional Office 101 North Main St Cork Local Office Limerick

9am–1pm2pm–5pm — Mon–Thurs 9am–4.45 pm — Fri As above.

Office Hours. As above.

Region 5 Regional Office 4th Floor Dockgate Merchant’s Road Galway Local Offices Mayo Sligo Donegal

9am–1pm 2pm–5pm — Mon–Thurs 9am–4.45 pm — Fri. As above.

Office Hours. As above.

Family Support Agency Head Office St. Stephens Green House Earlsfort Terrace Dublin 2

9am–5.30pm — Mon.–Fri

Office Hours.

Family Mediation Centre 1st Floor St Stephen’s Green House Earlsfort Terrace Dublin 2.

9am–1pm 2pm–5pm — Mon.–Fri

Office Hours.

Family Mediation Centre Blanchardstown

9am–1pm 2pm–5pm — Mon, Thurs & Fri

Office Hours.

Family Mediation Centre Tallaght

9am–12.30pm — Wed 9am–1pm 2pm–5pm — Thurs & Fri

Office Hours.

Family Mediation Centre Marino

9am–12.30pm — Wed 9am–1pm 2pm–5pm — Thurs & Fri

Office Hours.

Family Mediation Centre Cork

9am–1pm 2pm–5pm — Mon–Fri

Office Hours.

Family Mediation Centre Galway

9am–1pm 2pm–5pm — Mon–Fri

Office Hours.

Family Mediation Centre Limerick

9am–1pm 2pm–5pm — Mon–Fri

Office Hours.

Family Mediation Centre Athlone

9am–1pm 2pm–5pm — Mon & Tues 9am–12.30 pm — Wed

Office Hours.

Family Mediation Centre Castlebar

9am–12.30 pm — Mon 9am–1pm 2pm–5pm — Tues & Wed

Office Hours.

Family Mediation Centre Dundalk

9.30am–1pm 2pm–5.30pm — Tues & Thurs

Office Hours.

Family Mediation Centre Sligo

9am–1pm 2pm– 5pm — Mon & Tues 9am–12.30 pm — Wed

Office Hours.

Family Mediation Centre Tralee

9am–1pm 2pm–5pm — Mon & Tues 9am–12.30 pm — Wed

Office Hours.

Family Mediation Centre Waterford

9am – 1pm 2pm–5pm — Mon & Tues 9am–12.30 pm — Wed

Office Hours.

Family Mediation Centre Wexford

9am–1pm 2pm–5pm Tues & Wed 9am–12.30 pm — Thurs

Office Hours.

Family Mediation Centre Portlaoise

9am–1pm 2pm– 5pm — Thurs & Fri

Office Hours.

Family Mediation Centre Letterkenny

9am–1pm 2pm–5pm — Mon & Tues 9am–12.30 pm — Fri

Office Hours.

Social Welfare Tribunal Floor 2 Landen House Townsend Street Dublin 2.

Offices not open to the general public

9am–5pm

Pensions Ombudsman 36 Upper Mount Street Dublin 2

9:30am–1pm 2pm–5pm — Mon–Fri

9:15am–5:30pm — Mon–Fri

Social Welfare Benefits.

Noel O'Flynn

Question:

376 Deputy Noel O’Flynn asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if rent allowance will be awarded in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will expedite a response. [32111/07]

The supplementary allowance (SWA) scheme, including rent supplement, is administered on my behalf by the Community Welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE). The Executive has advised that it has no record of an application for rent supplement from the person concerned. The Executive has further advised that if the person concerned wishes to make an application for rent supplement then he should contact the Community Welfare Officer at his local health centre to discuss his entitlement to rent supplement.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

377 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount it would cost to extend the fuel allowance scheme to those persons previously in receipt of short term social welfare who take up community employment schemes. [32124/07]

People in receipt of short-term social welfare payments such as jobseeker's benefit, illness benefit or occupational injuries benefit are not normally eligible to receive a fuel allowance. People in receipt of short-term jobseeker's allowance (i.e. less than 13 weeks) do not qualify for fuel allowance. After 13 weeks, they may be eligible to receive the allowance and to retain it while on a CE scheme.

There is a special arrangement in place to pay the smokeless fuel allowance element (€3.90 per week) to people who live in one of the designated urban smokeless fuel areas and who have been receiving one of these social welfare payment types for 13 weeks or more. To be eligible for this ‘supplementary fuel allowance', applicants must satisfy the other standard conditions of the fuel allowance scheme, in particular that the combined weekly household income must not be more than €100 above the reference old age contributory pension rate applicable to the family size. As with the standard fuel allowance, only one smokeless fuel allowance is payable per household. Applications for this smokeless fuel allowance should be made through the local social welfare office.

Allowing recipients of short term social welfare payments to receive fuel allowance on taking up a community employment scheme would be a major policy change. The additional annual cost would be €2.5m in respect of approximately 4,800 short term social welfare recipients on CE schemes at present.

However, if policy was changed to allow short term social welfare recipients on CE to receive fuel allowance, the issue of extending the allowance to all 123, 000 people on short term benefits would have to be addressed. While not all of these would satisfy all the conditions for receipt of fuel allowance, the cost of even half of these becoming eligible would result in additional annual expenditure of the order of €32m. Any changes in relation to the conditions for eligibility for fuel allowance would have significant cost implications and would have to be considered in a Budgetary context and in the light of resources available to me for improvements in social welfare generally.

Joe Costello

Question:

378 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on restoring child benefit to all children; the number of children who would be affected; the estimated cost of granting universal child benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32196/07]

Child benefit may be paid in respect of every child under the age of 16 years, who is ordinarily resident in the State. Payment can be extended to the 19th birthday if the child is in education, or incapable of self-support. The benefit is paid to the qualified person with whom the child resides and the qualified person must satisfy the Habitual Residence Condition.

The purpose of the Habitual Residence Condition (introduced in May 2004) is to allow access to our social welfare schemes to people who are genuinely and lawfully making Ireland their habitual residence, while preventing unwarranted access by persons who have little or no connection with the State.

Those who do not satisfy the HRC condition because they are in the asylum process, have direct provision available to them. In certain cases they may also avail of exceptional needs payments from the local Health Board for the period that their asylum application is being processed. In this manner the rights and welfare of the child are protected. As soon as refugee status or right to remain is granted to such people, they are accepted as habitually resident and they would therefore be entitled to child benefit in respect of their qualifying children.

The operation of the habitual residence condition in my Department continues to be monitored on an ongoing basis. The reason for the introduction of the HRC in May 2004 — to ensure that people who have not worked in Ireland or who have not established their habitual residence in Ireland should not avail of assistance schemes or child benefit — continues to be relevant. As a result there is no proposal to change the current arrangements.

Approximately 2000 claims to Child Benefit for some 3400 children have been refused since May 2004 as the applicant did not satisfy the habitual residence condition. Those who were refused were mainly persons whose claims to asylum were not yet finalized, who did not have a work permit or who had no attachment to the workforce in Ireland. In the same period, a total of over 160,000 new claims for Child Benefit was received and awarded.

The total number of children affected and the cost of paying Child Benefit if the Habitual Residency condition was not applied is not known. This is because the numbers of children in the state, in respect of whom child benefit has not been claimed due to an awareness of the HRC conditionality, is unknown.

Question No. 379 answered with QuestionNo. 100.

Denis Naughten

Question:

380 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the applications processed by his Department; the average waiting time to process each application; the steps which he is taking to speed up the processing time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26901/07]

My Department is committed to providing a quality customer service to all its customers. This includes ensuring that applications are processed and that decisions on entitlement are issued as expeditiously as possible having regard to the eligibility conditions which apply. These conditions vary from scheme to scheme and may involve, among other things, the need to establish the customer's social insurance record, verify medical incapacity for work, establish a customer's identity or their place of habitual residence and to assess means where appropriate. In some cases there is an unavoidable time lag involved in making the necessary enquiries with outside agencies to enable decisions to be made. Time can also elapse where applicants fail to supply all pertinent information in support of their application.

In any given year my Department processes nearly 1.9 million application forms in respect of some 50 separate welfare schemes and issues about 68 million payments. Details of the number of new applications processed for the principal welfare schemes in respect of the month of October 2007 together with the average times to award such applications are set out in the appended tabular statement.

In the past few years my Department has coped with increasing demands arising from significant changes to the social welfare code and in the numbers of persons accessing the system. While these factors have impacted on processing times, continuous efforts are made to improve these times. Operational procedures and the organisation of work continue to be reviewed and restructured to maximise the benefits of technology and new developments in processing techniques and business information.

There is also a continued emphasis on providing staff with the necessary training and development so as to ensure they have the requisite knowledge and skills to carry out their work. I am conscious of the need to provide a quality service to our customers, and with my officials, I am working towards ensuring that my Department continues to deliver a first class service.

New applications processed in October 2007

Scheme

Awarded

Rejected

Withdrawn

Average time to award (weeks)

Widow/er’s Contributory Pension

467

69

18

3.97

State Pension (Non Contributory)

862

229

34

7.45

Widow/er’s Non Contributory Pension

97

27

1

6.63

Household Benefits (Free Schemes)

5,162

802

93

2.01

Jobseeker’s Benefit

11,927

n/a

n/a

2.14

Jobseeker’s Assistance

7,253

n/a

n/a

3.76

Illness Benefit

27,032

n/a

n/a

0.74

One Parent Family Payment (Local Office)

1,112

n/a

n/a

8.84

Child Benefit#*

33,268

n/a

n/a

4.66

Family Income Supplement

3,026

437

0

10.23

Invalidity Pension

486

153

1

8.24

Disability Allowance

1,169

675

64

16.99

Bereavement Grant (Longford)

627

90

0

1.54

Bereavement Grant (PSO)

477

228

0

3.50

Carer’s Allowance

922

226

61

8.01

State Pension (Contributory)#

1,554

n/a

288

13.17

State Pension (Transition)#

861

n/a

75

7.67

*Includes renewed applications for children aged o/16 remaining in full-time education.

#Figures for Child Benefit, State Pensions (Contributory) and State Pension (Transition) are provisional.

Departmental Records.

Damien English

Question:

381 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way his Department disposes of redundant information technology equipment; if he is satisfied that all stored information has been removed prior to disposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32354/07]

My department has a contract in place with a licensed disposal company for the destruction of all redundant computer equipment in a secure manner. As part of these arrangements, it is standard policy that all media containing stored information is removed and crushed separately under the supervision of departmental staff. A certificate is provided by the contract company in respect of all equipment destroyed

Departmental Staff.

Damien English

Question:

382 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of press officers that are employed in his Department, employed in each agency reporting to his Department, were employed in his Department in 2002 and were employed in each agency reporting to his Department in 2002; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [32369/07]

The details sought by the Deputy are as shown in the table. the number of staff serving in the posts in question in 2002 and now are the same. None of the Agencies under the aegis of my Department has designated Press Officers.

Position

Category

No. serving

Press Officer

Established civil servant

1

Press Adviser

Non civil servant

1

Departmental Websites.

Damien English

Question:

383 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if podcasts are available for download by members of the public on websites maintained by his Department and its agencies; if not, his plans to introduce podcasts as a communications tool; if so, the number of times a podcast has been downloaded to date in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32384/07]

The facility to download podcasts, or digital media files used for playback on portable media players , is not available on my Department's website or on the websites of the agencies under my remit. My Department's website is currently being redesigned and this will facilitate the development of additional services including expanding the range of formats, such as podcasts, in which information is made available.

The Combat Poverty Agency intends to introduce audio streaming on their website in 2008 and the Pensions Board is exploring the possibility of introducing podcasts at a future date. The Citizens Information Board, the Family Support Agency, the Social Welfare Tribunal, and the Pensions Ombudsman do not have plans to introduce podcasts as a communications tool at this time.

Departmental Properties.

Damien English

Question:

384 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the works or measures that have taken place in 2007 to make his Departmental buildings more environmentally friendly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32399/07]

My Department relies on the Office of Public Works for the design, construction or refurbishment of its offices and is guided by them in achieving improvements in environmental conditions. While overall responsibility for such technical matters and energy audits are a matter for the OPW, the Department is conscious of the need to reduce energy usage, both for economic and environmental reasons. Accordingly, it encourages prudent usage of energy by staff in line with good business practice.

In areas which fall within my Department's remit, environmental improvements have been achieved through better segregation of waste streams within the Department's offices and through increased use of recycled paper in its day to day business. My Department is committed to continuously achieving improvements in environmental conditions for both staff and customers.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Áine Brady

Question:

385 Deputy Áine Brady asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he has plans to allow the back to school allowance to be paid to the self-employed who comply with the requirements of the back to school allowance for the low paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32552/07]

The back to school clothing and footwear allowance (BSCFA) scheme provides a one-off payment to eligible families to assist with the extra costs when their children start school each autumn. The allowance is not intended to meet the full cost of school clothing and footwear but only to provide assistance towards these costs. A person may qualify for payment of an allowance if they are in receipt of a social welfare or Health Service Executive (HSE) payment, or are participating in an approved employment scheme or attending a recognised education and training course and have household income at below standard levels.

Family Income Supplement (FIS) which is a weekly tax-free payment for families, including one-parent families, at work on low pay is also one of the qualifying payments for the purposes of the BSCFA scheme. This enables families, not normally in receipt of a social welfare or HSE payment to avail of the BSCFA scheme. Self-employed people are not precluded from receiving BSCFA. If a person is self-employed, s/he may qualify for Jobseekers Allowance (JA), depending on the income from their business. As JA is a qualifying payment for BSCFA a self-employed person may then qualify for payment of BSCFA subject to meeting the other qualifying criteria of the scheme.

FIS payments in certain instances are available to self-employed people or the spouses of self employed people, subject to certain scheme criteria being satisfied. Where self-employed people (or their spouses) are in receipt of FIS they too are eligible to apply for payment under the BSCFA scheme.

I consider the back to school clothing and footwear allowance scheme to be an important support for parents at a time of particular financial strain. I am satisfied that improvements to the scheme in recent years, namely an increase in income limits and an increase in the rates of payment respectively, provide a major boost to meeting the financial costs associated with return to school for those who most need assistance.

Any changes to the structure of the scheme, rates of payment, income limits or amendments to the qualifying criteria would have cost implications and would have to be considered in a budgetary context and in the light of resources available to me for improvements in social welfare payments generally.

Pension Provisions.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

386 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on extending eligibility for persons in receipt of disability or invalidity pension to enable those in receipt of such payments to participate in community employment schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32555/07]

People in receipt of Disability Allowance may work while in receipt of the allowance, however income earned is assessable as means. The first €120 of weekly earnings and 50% of earnings between €120 and €350 from employment or self-employment of a rehabilitative nature are disregarded in any means test. Any earnings in excess of this amount are assessed as income and entitlement to Disability Allowance reduced accordingly.

One of the conditions for receipt of Invalidity Pension is that a person will not undertake any work. However, a person may receive an exemption from this condition in order to retrain for alternative employment or for rehabilitative purposes. Exemptions are granted up to a maximum of 19.5 hours per week.

If a person on Invalidity Pension wishes to participate in a community employment scheme they should contact their FÁS Employment Services Officer regarding the availability of a place on a suitable scheme and if successful they should submit an application for an exemption to this Department through FÁS. Prior written permission from this Department outlining the commencement date and the duration of the exemption is required before commencing on a scheme.

Social Insurance.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

387 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will ease the qualification guidelines in respect of insurance contributions for persons who might otherwise qualify for invalidity pension but do not have the required contributions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32556/07]

The Invalidity Pension is a payment for persons who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy certain medical and social insurance conditions, namely: have been incapable of work for at least 12 months and be likely to be incapable of work for at least another 12 months, or

be permanently incapable of work (in certain cases of very serious incapacity, a person can transfer directly from another social welfare payment or from employment to the Invalidity Pension), or

be over age 60 and have a serious illness or incapacity, and

have a total of 260 paid PRSI contributions (or 520 PRSI contributions from 6 April, 2012 onwards), and

have 48 paid or credited PRSI contributions in the last complete tax year before the claim is made.

Only PRSI paid at Classes A, E and H count towards the Invalidity Pension.

The qualification conditions that govern entitlement to and receipt of the Invalidity Pension are set down in Chapter 17, Sections 118 to 122, of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act, 2005, and no plans are being considered at present to alter them.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

388 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will review the guidelines for qualification for contribution based payments with a view to taking J1 contributions into account; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32557/07]

With very few exceptions, a person aged 16 years or over who is either a part-time employee, a full-time employee or a self-employed individual with a minimum annual income must pay Pay-Related Social Insurance (PRSI) contributions.

In general, PRSI contribution classes are decided by the nature of the employment and the amount of the employee's reckonable earnings in any week. Employees who earn less than €38 per week (from all employments) or are aged 66 years or over, as well as certain people engaged in subsidiary employment, pay PRSI at Class J. These people are covered for Occupational Injuries Benefits only. There are no plans to extend the entitlements of people covered by Class J1 contributions.

Pension Provisions.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

389 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons refused entitlement to old age pension due to a lack of sufficient contributions in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32558/07]

It has not been possible to provide the information requested in the time available. The data is currently being prepared and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy when it becomes available.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

390 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of applications for invalidity pension rejected in the past 12 months on the grounds of insufficient insurance contributions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32559/07]

In the past 12 month period a total of 348 Invalidity Pension applications were refused on the grounds of insufficient insurance contributions. The PRSI contribution conditions for Invalidity Pension require that the claimant must have a total of 260 contributions paid at the appropriate rate (class A, E or H) since entry into insurable employment and 48 paid or credited contributions in the governing contribution year, which currently is the 2006 tax year. Where a claimant has no reckonable contributions paid or credited for two consecutive years, he/she is not entitled to the payment of Invalidity Pension until 26 qualifying contributions have subsequently been paid.

If a person does not satisfy the PRSI conditions for Invalidity Pension based solely on their Irish social insurance record and they have worked in another country covered by EU regulations, periods of insurable employment in that country can be taken into account to help satisfy the qualifying conditions. Periods of insurance in a country with which Ireland has a Bilateral Social Security Agreement can also be taken into account to help qualify for an Invalidity Pension.

Question No. 391 answered with QuestionNo. 99.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

392 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his proposals to liberalise the dental benefit scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32561/07]

Access to the Dental Benefit Scheme is available to insured people and their dependent spouses who satisfy the PRSI contribution conditions. Services carried out under the Dental Benefit Scheme are delivered by a panel of private practitioners under agreements entered into with the Minister. There are approximately 1,400 Dental practitioners on the Department's panel. In addition, since 5 April 2005, customers can avail of treatment in all EU member states. The current scheme is operating well and this year, to the end of October, some €49.4 million has been expended on the scheme with 583,673 claims received.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

393 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his proposals to liberalise the optical benefit scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32562/07]

The Optical Benefit Scheme is available to insured people and their dependent spouses who satisfy the PRSI contribution conditions. Services carried out under the Optical Benefit Scheme are delivered by a panel of private practitioners under agreement entered into with the Minister. There are approximately 460 optical practitioners on the Department's panel. In addition, since 5 April 2005, customers can avail of treatment in all EU member states. The current scheme is operating well. This year, to the end of October, some €13.6 million has been expended on the scheme with 189,500 claims received.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

394 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on improving or liberalising qualification for the back to education allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32563/07]

As outlined to the Deputy in the reply to his parliamentary Question No. 352 on Wednesday, 31st October, 2007, my Department provides a wide range of second chance education opportunities to facilitate people on certain social welfare payments to improve their skills and qualifications and, therefore, their prospects of returning to the active work force.

My Department's employment support measures, in the context of current labour market conditions, are continually monitored to ensure that they continue to support those people who are the most distant from the labour market and whose needs are greatest. However, at this stage it is not proposed to make any further changes to the qualifying criteria.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

395 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the extent to which he will increase old age pension, widows pension or one parent family allowances in accordance with inflation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32564/07]

Improvements in the rates of these payments are normally announced on Budget Day. Budget 2008 will be announced tomorrow, Wednesday, December 5.

David Stanton

Question:

396 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the net average weekly income limit which applies to a person who has three children living with them and their partner and is financially supporting a fourth child through maintenance payments; if this person is classed as having three or four children for family income supplement purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32579/07]

The Family Income Supplement (FIS) provides income support for employees on low earnings with families. This preserves the incentive to remain in employment in circumstances where the employee might only be marginally better off than if he or she were claiming other social welfare payments. The position regarding FIS, for families described by the Deputy, varies depending on the family situation. In general, the person's net average weekly income would be established. Any financial support to another child would then be deducted and entitlement to FIS would be assessed in respect of the appropriate family size, in this case three children. However in some cases it may be necessary to investigate the position more thoroughly depending on specific circumstances of the family.

Designated Areas.

Jack Wall

Question:

397 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of funding allocated to his Department under the CLÁR programme for 2007; the amount of funding spent to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31881/07]

Under the CLÁR Programme, funds are allocated to support physical, economic and social infrastructure in rural areas of special disadvantage across a variety of measures. CLÁR acts as a lever to elicit money from other sources through funding and co-funding arrangements with Government Departments, State Agencies and Local Authorities. A budget of €18.683m for the Programme was provided in my Department's Vote in 2007. The breakdown of expenditure to date in 2007 is set out in the table.

Overall expenditure under the Programme for the year is expected to be of the order of €21.3m. In this context, the Deputy should note that I have, this week, sought a supplementary estimate in order to meet on-going demand under the Programme.

Expenditure under the CLÁR Programme

CLÁR Measure

Expenditure to date in 2007

€000s

Road and Water Schemes

6,659,611.39

Sport, Community & Enhancement Schemes

3,491,577.83

Health and Education

1,166,528.16

Energy & Telecommunications

1,646,008.43

Other

971,783.00

Total

13,935,508.81

Grant Payments.

Jack Wall

Question:

398 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of grants allocated to groups in County Kildare under the programme of grants for locally based community and voluntary organisations in the past five years; the names and locations of these groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31882/07]

Details of organisations who received funding under the Programme of Grants for Locally-Based Community and Voluntary Organisations from 2003 to date are available on my Department's website at www.pobail.ie. Details of funding prior to 2003 are available in the Dáil Library for the information of members.

Departmental Publications.

Brian Hayes

Question:

399 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his Department published an annual report in 2007; if not, when his Department plan to publish one; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31924/07]

I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department published its Annual Report for the year 2006 in early 2007. This Annual Report and those in respect of previous years are available on my Department's website, www.pobail.ie.

Departmental Offices.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

400 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his Department has carried out a study of opening hours of public offices under the control or remit of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31999/07]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

402 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the opening hours of his Department’s public offices and public phone lines and if they close for lunch; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32049/07]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

403 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the opening hours for the public offices and telephone lines and if they close for lunch for each of the agencies and State bodies that are under the control of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32064/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 400, 402 and 403 together.

As reflected in its Customer Charter, the opening hours for my Department, including the operation of the public telephone lines, are as follows:

Monday –Thursday: 9.15a.m.–5.30p.m.

Friday: 9.15a.m.–5.15p.m.

I can confirm that the offices for my Department are open during lunch and that the public telephone lines are also operated during lunch. My Department reviews its opening hours and the quality of its telephone service through customer consultation.

The opening hours and operation of the public telephone lines for the bodies that fall within the ambit of my Department are as follows:

Agencies

Public Office Opening Hours

Lunch time (open or closed)

Telephone Lines Operating Hours

An Coimisinéir Teanga

Mon–Thurs 9.15am–1.00pm 2.00pm–5.30pm Friday 9.15am–1.00pm 2.00pm–5.15pm

Variable

Mon–Thurs 9.15am–5.30pm Friday 9.15am–5.15pm and answer machine thereafter

Dormant Accounts Board

Not applicable (no public office)

Not applicable, (no public office)

Mon–Thurs 9.15am–5.30pm Friday 9.15am–5.15pm and answer machine thereafter

An Foras Teanga comprising:

Foras na Gaeilge

Mon–Thurs 9.30am–5.30pm Friday 9.30am–5.15pm

Variable

Mon–Thurs 9.30am–5.30pm Friday 9.30am–5.15pm

Tha Boord o Ulster Scotch

Mon–Fri 9.00a.m–5.00p.m

Open

Mon–Fri 9.00am–5.00pm and answer machine thereafter

Office of Commissioners of Charitable Donations & Bequests

Mon–Thurs 9.30am–5.30pm Friday 9.30am– 5.00pm

Monday–Friday closed for lunch 1.00p.m–2.00 p.m

Mon–Thurs 9.15am–5.30pm Friday 9.15am–5.15pm

Pobal

Mon–Fri 9.00am–5.30pm

Open

Mon–Fri 9.00am–5.30pm and answer machine thereafter

Údarás na Gaeltachta

Mon–Fri 9.00am–1.00pm and 2.00pm–5.00pm

Closed

Mon–Friday 9.00am–1.00pm and 2.00pm–5.00pm with voice mail thereafter

Waterways Ireland

Mon–Thurs 9.15am–5.30pm Friday 9.15am–5.15pm

Open

Mon–Thurs 9.15am–5.30pm Friday 9.15am–5.15pm with voicemail and answer machine thereafter

Western Development Commission (WDC)

Mon–Fri 9.00am–5.00pm

Open

Mon–Fri 9.00am–5.00pm and answer machine thereafter.

Departmental Correspondence.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

401 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the official forms issued by his Department for use by the public and business which can be completed on-line; the forms which can not; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32034/07]

I can confirm to the Deputy that the following official forms for use by the public can be downloaded from my Department's website www.pobail.ie:

Scéim Labhairt na Gaeilge

Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge

Scéim Champaí Samhraidh trí Ghaeilge d'aos Óg na Gaeltachta

Deontas chun Díon Tuí a Athnuachan faoi Achtanna na dTithe (Gaeltacht)

Scéim Spreagtha na Gaeilge

Scéim na mBóithre Áise

Guidelines for Programme of Grants for Locally-Based Community and Voluntary Organisations 2006

Community Support for Older People — Scheme Details and Application Forms

At present there are no official forms available for completion on-line.

Questions Nos. 402 and 403 answered with Question No. 400.

Departmental Records.

Damien English

Question:

404 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the way his Department disposes of redundant information technology equipment; if he is satisfied that all stored information has been removed prior to disposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32345/07]

The Department's policy is to ensure that all data has been cleared from such devices prior to secure destruction.

Departmental Staff.

Damien English

Question:

405 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of press officers that are employed in his Department, employed in each agency reporting to his Department, were employed in his Department in 2002 and were employed in each agency reporting to his Department in 2002; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [32360/07]

The table below provides details in relation to the number of Press Officers employed by my Department and employed in each agency reporting to my Department in 2002 and currently.

Name of Department/Agency

No. of Press Officers currently employed

No. of Press Officers employed in 2002

Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

1

1

An Coimisinéir Teanga

Nil

Nil

Dormant Accounts Board

Nil

Nil

Dormant Accounts Fund Disbursement Board

Nil

Nil

An Foras Teanga comprising: Foras na Geailge Tha Boord o Ulster-Scotch

Nil 1 Communications and Information Officer

Nil Nil

National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD)

Nil

Nil

Office of Commissioners of Charitable Donations & Bequests

Nil

Nil

Pobal

Nil

Nil

The National Drugs Strategy Team

Nil

Nil

Údaras na Gaeltachta

1

1

Waterways Ireland

15% of employee*

10% of employee*

Western Development Commission (WDC)

Nil

Nil

*This refers to the percentage of time that one employee devotes to Press duties.

Departmental Websites.

Damien English

Question:

406 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if podcasts are available for download by members of the public on websites maintained by his Department and its agencies; if not, his plans to introduce podcasts as a communications tool; if so, the number of times a podcast has been downloaded to date in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32375/07]

I wish to advise the Deputy that there are no podcasts available for download to members of the public from my Department's website and, at present, there are no plans to introduce podcasts as a communication tool.

In relation to the agencies within the ambit of my Department, I understand that the position is as outlined below:

Agency

Podcasts available

Plans to introduce podcasts as a communication tool

An Coimisinéir Teanga

No

Not planned in the short term

Board of Commissioners of Charitable Donations and Bequests of Ireland

No

No

Coimisiún Logainmneacha

Not applicable

Foras Teanga comprised of: Foras na Gaeilge

No

No immediate plans

Tha Boord o Ulster Scots

No

Hope to develop this facility next year

Dormant Accounts Board

No

No

Pobal

No

No plans

Údarás na Gaeltachta

No

No

Waterways Ireland

No

No

Western Development Commission

No

Consideration is currently being given to a review of the WDC website. The issue of podcasts is one of a series of items for consideration.

Departmental Properties.

Damien English

Question:

407 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the works or measures that have taken place in 2007 to make his Departmental buildings more environmentally friendly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32390/07]

Both OPW and a private maintenance management company contracted by OPW constantly monitor my Department's headquarters building use of gas.

I also understand that OPW will be commencing a Staff Energy Awareness Initiative early in 2008 with a view to reducing total annual carbon dioxide emissions.

In addition, a natural ventilation system, which will cool the building during day and night time to avoid the use of air conditioning during the summer months, will be installed in the extension to my Department's office, which is currently under construction, in Na Forbacha, Contae na Gaillimhe.

Fishing Vessel Licences.

Michael Ring

Question:

408 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if there is a place along the coastline of Ireland that fishermen are allowed to fish in a manner (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32472/07]

Fishermen who are registered and licensed under the Scheme for the Licensing and Registration of Traditional Pot Fishing Boats in the Irish Inshore Fleet are restricted to fishing by means of pots and are not entitled to engage in commercial aquaculture activities or to commercially fish for wild bi-valve molluscs (including oysters).

Farm Improvement Scheme.

Michael Ring

Question:

409 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position in relation to the farm improvement scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31875/07]

The Farm Improvement Scheme was launched by my Department in July 2007 with funding of €79 million as agreed under the partnership agreement, Towards 2016. The Scheme was suspended on 31 October 2007 as the applications received under the Scheme had reached this level of funding.

The applications received under the Scheme up to 31 October 2007 will be processed by my Department up to the level of funding available.

Michael Ring

Question:

410 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of applications received and accepted by her Department under the farm improvement scheme up to the date of its suspension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31876/07]

12,675 applications were received by my Department under the Farm Improvement Scheme up to its suspension on 31 October 2007. These applications will be processed by my Department up to the level of funding made available for the Scheme in the 2006 partnership agreement, Towards 2016.

Michael Ring

Question:

411 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the funding put in place for the farm improvement scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31877/07]

An allocation of €79 million was made available for the Farm Improvement Scheme under the 2006 partnership agreement, Towards 2016.

Michael Ring

Question:

412 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the options available for farmers towards capital investment following the suspension of the farm improvement scheme; the action that will be taken in relation to the applications received after the suspension date of the scheme; if this scheme will recommence in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31878/07]

Applications received under the Farm Improvement Scheme prior to its suspension on 31 October 2007 will be processed by my Department up to the level of funding available. Applications received after that date are being returned to farmers.

I have no plans to reopen the Farm Improvement Scheme to further applications prior to the review in 2008 of the partnership agreement, Towards 2016, as provided for in that agreement.

Decommissioning of Fishing Vessels.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

413 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford the legal issues involved in this case have been considered in full by her Department in the two months which have elapsed since her reply to Parliamentary Question No. 109 of 27 September 2007; when a decision will be made in this case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31879/07]

As previously indicated to the Deputy, the determination in question has given rise to some legal and other issues which are being considered in full by this Department.

The Department is continuing to receive legal advice in the matter, and a decision will be made as to the proper course of action in due course. Once this decision has been made the applicant will be notified as a matter of priority.

I would point out to the Deputy that since my Department is taking legal advice, the subject matter of the question is now in the realm of legal professional privilege.

Departmental Publications.

Brian Hayes

Question:

414 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if her Department published an annual report in 2007; if not, when her Department plan to publish one; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31921/07]

The 2006 Annual Report for my Department was published on 13 June 2007.

Grant Payments.

Beverley Flynn

Question:

415 Deputy Beverley Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo under the single payment scheme has not received their payment. [31989/07]

On examination of this case it was found that the person named had only inherited 98.17% of the entitlements established by his father instead of 100%. This situation has now been rectified and payment in respect of 2007 will issue shortly. Further payment in respect of monies owed under the 2005 and 2006 Single Payment Scheme will also issue shortly.

A 2007 Consolidation application was received from the person named. Following the amendments as outlined, this application has been accepted and processed in full.

Animal Welfare.

Tony Gregory

Question:

416 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will request a report from her Department officials on allegations (details supplied); the action she is taking; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31992/07]

By way of background, I should point out that the Hunting Association of Ireland (HAI), which encompasses bodies that represent organised fox hunting in Ireland has in place rules and procedures which apply in particular to the practices of digging out, bolting and earthstopping. This initiative was taken after my Department had conveyed to the bodies its concern about such practices. The bodies concerned have also given specific written assurances that they are committed to ensuring compliance with and enforcement of these measures and to imposing sanctions on anyone found not to have complied with them.

As regards the matter referred to in the Question, I have received preliminary information about the incident and I have asked my officials to meet with the HAI to discuss the matter further.

In this regard, the Deputy will be aware that while my statutory powers currently extend only to farm animals, matters such as those involved here are governed by the Wildlife Acts and the Protection of Animals Acts. I am fully committed to promoting good practices that respect the welfare of all animals and my Department is currently progressing a number of animal welfare-related commitments from the Programme for Government including consolidation of responsibility for the welfare of all animals (including non-farm animals) within my Department and the introduction of a comprehensive Animal Welfare Bill to update existing animal welfare legislation.

Departmental Offices.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

417 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if her Department has carried out a study of opening hours of public offices under the control or remit of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31996/07]

No specific study has been carried out into the opening hours of my Department, but client surveys in relation to the service provided by my Department have been conducted. In general there was a very high satisfaction rating with 95% of the 900 participants in the most recent survey expressing themselves either satisfied or very satisfied overall with the service provided by my Department. I am not aware of any demand to change opening hours.

Departmental Correspondence.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

418 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the official forms issued by her Department for use by the public and business which can be completed on-line; the forms which can not; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32031/07]

My Department has greatest interaction with customers in relation to the following areas: direct payments under the Single Payment Scheme and Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS); animal traceability including registration of animal births and movements; Forestry grants and premiums; and Fisheries catch recording.

The majority of the interactions relating to these key areas with the exception of REPS can now be carried out online through www.agriculture.gov.ie. These online facilities are fully integrated with our processing systems, thereby obviating the need for input of information that we already hold. They also provide extensive validation, thereby assisting customers in avoiding the types of errors that can cause delay in the processing of their applications.

The online application facilities made available by my Department are quite extensive. The online application facilities mentioned below relate to the Department's key schemes and processes, SPS, Forestry, Fisheries and Animal Health and Traceability. At present, the only major scheme which is not available online is REPS.

Accordingly, the following is a brief synopsis of the online facilities provided by my Department:

Scheme

Description

Single Payment Scheme (SPS)

Scheme Application Form (also used as the application form for DAS, REPS and Other Area Based Schemes)

Single Payment Scheme

Scheme Amendment Application Form

Single Payment Scheme

Entitlement Payment Application Order Form

Animal Identification Movement (AIM)

Calf Registration Form

Animal Identification Movement (AIM)

Application for movement compliance certificate

In relation to Animal Health and Welfare, the following forms, which had previously been paper based, may now be completed online by private veterinary practitioners in respect of tests conducted under the Bovine TB and Brucellosis eradication schemes:

Form No.

Description

ER8

Request for permission to conduct a TB test

ER9

Advance Itinerary of planned TB and Brucellosis testing

ER15A

Summary Report of TB or Brucellosis Test

ER15B

Detailed Report of TB Test

ER16

Detailed Report of Brucellosis Test

This provides end to end automation between the private veterinary practices and the Department, improving the efficiency of the process for all concerned, improving our animal health information, and reducing the time taken to release clear animals for sale.

With regard to Sea Fisheries Divisions of my Department, the following forms can be completed online:

Form Type

Foreshore Licence/Lease

Aquaculture Licence

Dumping at Sea Permit

Sea Fishing Boat Licence Application

Application to De-registration from the Fishing Boat Register

The application forms for assistance under the various Forestry schemes cannot, as yet, be completed. However the key spatial, environmental and heritage information required for completion of applications has been made available electronically, as a first step towards full online application. Using this system, it is possible to electronically submit mapping details in support of paper based applications.

An online system has also been put in place to cater for the electronic submission of Common Agricultural Policy export declarations from exporters to the Customs Service of the Revenue Commissioners and onwards to the Dept of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. This system removes the need for manual data-entry of declaration data in both Revenue and my Department. It also ensures that data entering the system is validated electronically at a number of points in the chain, thus reducing time-consuming follow-up, error-chasing, manual work by my officials, Customs and the exporters.

Interaction with animal tag vendors, meat plants, export points and marts is now fully electronic, thereby avoiding any paper and providing excellent food traceability assurance.

Our less frequently used applications forms are not available for completion on-line but are however available for download from our Website.

Departmental Offices.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

419 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the opening hours of her Department’s public offices and public phone lines and if they close for lunch; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32046/07]

The Customer Charter, Charter of Rights for Farmers 2005/2007 and the Customer Service Action Plan all make reference to the opening of public offices. All Department public offices provide a service during the hours of 09.30a.m. to 12.30p.m. and 2.00p.m. to 5.00p.m., Monday to Friday. The Departments Headquarters is open from 09.15a.m. to 5.30p.m. and there is a 24 hour facility to report animal disease incidences. The vast majority of the lo-call numbers are manned during normal office hours and have a facility for callers to leave messages after office hours.

At particular times of the year, for example, during the application period for the submission of Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme applications and after the dates on which payments issue, special initiatives are taken by my Department to meet customer needs.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

420 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the opening hours for the public offices and telephone lines and if they close for lunch for each of the agencies and State bodies that are under the control of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32061/07]

With regard to State Bodies and agencies under the aegis of my Department, their opening hours, manning of telephone lines and whether they close for lunch, are operational matters for the bodies themselves.

Fireblight Incidence.

Terence Flanagan

Question:

421 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the details of tests carried out by her Department’s laboratory in relation to fireblight in the trees in an area (details supplied) in Dublin 13; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32084/07]

As indicated to the Deputy in previous replies Fireblight test results show there is a problem primarily on roadside plantings of Sorbus sp in the Fingal area running from Donaghmeade, Baldoyle, Killbarack, Bayside, Sutton, Portmarknock, Howth, Malahide and Swords. Extensive infection has been found in Bayside Boulavard which is adjoined directly by Sutton Downes and Sutton Grove and it has also been found on Verbena Ave which adjoins Alden Park.

In an effort to prevent further spread of the disease, host material has been removed and in particular those related roadside Sorbus trees that were planted by the authorities.

Terence Flanagan

Question:

422 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will provide this Deputy with a full detailed report covering the history of the fireblight disease here, cases over the past five years, her Department’s and local authority policy in relation to replanting semi mature trees and felling trees and specifically cover the recent outbreak in Dublin; the reason the disease only hit parts of Dublin 13; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32086/07]

On the basis of annual surveys the disease is said not to be established in the Country and Ireland has a protected zone for the disease. Fireblight was first found in Ireland in 1986 on a Cotoneaster sp. in Clanbrassil St, Dublin 6, and sampling of suspect material by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has continued each year since then.

As I indicated to the deputy in PQ Ref No: 21077/07, in latter years there are at least 1,500 samples submitted for laboratory testing and upwards of a dozen positive findings principally in Dublin and Cork Suburbs, along with a number of findings on nursery stock are detected each year.

More specifically in 2003, in excess of 1900 samples were taken from host plants in nurseries, garden centres, public parks, private gardens, roadside hedges etc, and 8 positives were found in Cork, 6 in Dublin (Dublin 7, 9 and 12), 1 in Laois, 3 in Tipperary and 1 in Wicklow.

Over 2000 samples were taken during the 2004 survey with 13 positives at 11 sites, 1 nursery site in Clare, 6 sites in Cork, 1 in Kerry, 1 in Wexford and 2 in Wicklow.

Of the 1555 samples tested in 2005, there were 25 positives at 15 locations throughout the country, namely Cork with 3 public areas and 2 private gardens, Dublin in 3 public areas, Galway in a public area and in a nursery in Kildare, 2 nurseries in Tipperary, 1 nursery in Waterford and Wexford and a public park in Wicklow.

In 2006 there were over 1600 samples taken which lead to 19 positives findings at 15 locations, 7 sites in Cork, 1 in Galway, 1 in Kildare, 1 in Kilkenny, 1 in Limerick, 2 in Monaghan, 2 in Tipperary and 1 in Waterford.

The 2007 Survey to date has taken over 2000 samples with 45 positive findings, Laois at 1 site, Cork at 2 sites, Dublin at 15 sites (more specifically Markievicz park, Merrion sq., Donaghmeade, Baldoyle, Killbarrack, Sutton, Bayside, Portmarnock, Malahide, Howth and Swords results (these Dublin results have been previously forwarded to the Deputy), Galway at 1 site, Wicklow at 2 sites, Cork at 3 sites, Donegal at 1 site.

In the case of all positive findings, the affected plant and associated host material is removed and destroyed in an effort to remove inoculum and prevent further spread of the pathogen as required by EU and domestic legislation for harmful organisms including Fireblight.

As can be seen from the results over the past 5 years, the disease has not only been found in Dublin 13, but with positives now been recorded in South Dublin, the Fingal area and also plantings in residential areas of Cork, Galway and Wicklow.

The policy re replanting of semi mature trees is a matter for the Local Authority where the outbreak occurs and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has no responsibility in the matter.

Grant Payments.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

423 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding an application for the single farm payment in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32132/07]

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

As part of the control procedures under EU legislation governing the Single Payment Scheme, the application was selected for and was the subject of a ground eligibility and cross compliance inspection.

The inspection was carried out on 17 August, the results of the inspection were processed and the application was cleared for payment.

An advance Single Payment Scheme payment of €1325.20 was issued on 14 November 2007. The remaining payment of €1328.81 will issue in the first week of December 2007.

Payments under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme commenced on 21 September, with payments issuing in respect of those cases cleared for payment at that stage. Payments continue to issue as further cases subsequently become clear. The application of the person named was fully processed and the person named was paid €2,121.38 on 13 November 2007.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

424 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the status of the single farm payment application for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; when payment will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32207/07]

The position is that Single Payment entitlements were established for farmers who were farming and in receipt of direct payments under the Livestock Premia and/or Arable Aid Schemes during the reference years 2000, 2001 and 2002 and who continued to farm in 2005. The person named did not receive payments under the Livestock Premia and/or Arable Aid Schemes during the reference years and, therefore, no Single Payment entitlements were established for him. In addition, payment of the Single Payment Scheme is based on the number of eligible hectares declared by an applicant on his/her Single Payment Scheme application form. The person named did not submit a Single Payment Scheme application form in 2005, 2006 or 2007.

The person named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the 2005 Single Payment Scheme National Reserve under Category A which caters for farmers who inherited land or received land free of charge or for a nominal sum from a farmer who had retired or died by 16 May, 2005 and who had leased out his/her holding to a third party during the reference period 2000 to 2002. There is no record of the Deed of Transfer for the land in question having been received with the 2005 National Reserve application. The land in question must also have been declared by the applicant on their 2005 Single Payment application form. The person named was deemed ineligible as he did not submit a Single Payment Scheme application form in 2005.

Beverley Flynn

Question:

425 Deputy Beverley Flynn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their area based payment. [32216/07]

An application under the 2007 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 15 May 2007. Payments under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme commenced on 21 September, with payments issuing in respect of those cases cleared for payment at that stage. Payments continue to issue as further cases subsequently become clear. The application of the person named was fully processed and the applicant was paid his Disadvantaged Areas Scheme payment, which amounted to €3,089.85, on 27 November 2007.

Michael Creed

Question:

426 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the situation regarding a person (details supplied) in County Cork and their entitlement to single farm payment arising from lands which their parents owned and sold during the reference years. [32330/07]

Issues relating to the transfer of entitlements and the incorporation of the decoupled Dairy Premium for 2005 and 2006 with payment entitlements established during the 2000 to 2002 reference period by the father of the person named, proved to be extremely complicated in this case. However, my Department has now resolved these issues and the outstanding payments due to the person named will issue within the coming ten days.

Fisheries Protection.

Michael Creed

Question:

427 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if her Department has fully allocated the compensation fund for tuna fisheries; the cost of this compensation package and the cost to the Exchequer; the number of beneficiaries from the compensation package; the average amount paid to each applicant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32331/07]

In June 1998, the Council of Fisheries Ministers took a decision to ban drift netting for tuna with effect from 1 January 2002, a decision which was provided for in EU law by Council Regulation 1239/1998.

As part of the transition process to new methods of fishing this valuable species, Bord Iascaigh Mhara provided substantial EU-assisted support to interested fishermen to develop alternative fishing techniques. A variety of fishing gears and techniques were tested and the results of trials undertaken in this regard have shown that it is possible to catch tuna with non-drift netting techniques. Irish fishing boats have been fishing for albacore tuna since 2002 mainly by means of mid-water trawl but also with trolling.

In 2003 and 2004 BIM undertook trials with a surface longline system in conjunction with the French Coopérative Maritime Des Marins Pêcheurs on board two Irish vessels. These trials, however, showed this method not to be economically viable due to the poor catch rates achieved.

BIM continues to work on improving our understanding of this species. During 2005 BIM undertook trials in conjunction with a Spanish research institute (AZTI) and the Irish South and East Fish Producers Organisation in order to improve our understanding of the migratory and daily patterns of movement of this species.

During 2006 and 2007 BIM have continued this tagging programme in conjunction with an effort to assess the possibility of developing other alternative methods of fishing including using a dead baiting technique used in South Africa. Further work is planned with this method in 2008. BIM is also carrying out new product development trials on albacore tuna in association with local processors in order to develop new value added markets.

The aid package put in place in 1998 was specifically designed to facilitate the development of alternative fishing techniques to drift netting. No funding was allocated to the Irish fleet as compensation for the introduction of the ban on the use of driftnets.

Departmental Records.

Damien English

Question:

428 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the way her Department disposes of redundant information technology equipment; if she is satisfied that all stored information has been removed prior to disposal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32342/07]

Redundant information technology equipment is disposed of in the following ways.

Non-reusable equipment is sent for destruction by shredding and crushing with hard drives being removed and individually destroyed. Confirmation of all equipment destroyed is provided to the Department. In the case of reusable redundant information technology equipment the Department has an agreement with a charity that re-cycles the computers for use in the Third World. As part of the service the charity provides a certified data erasure service and erasure is confirmed to the Department.

The policy and procedures for the secure disposal of redundant information technology equipment is again being reviewed in light of recent events elsewhere.

Departmental Staff.

Damien English

Question:

429 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of press officers that are employed in her Department, employed in each agency reporting to her Department, were employed in her Department in 2002 and were employed in each agency reporting to her Department in 2002; and if she will provide the information in tabular readable form. [32357/07]

My Department employs one civil servant at Assistant Principal Officer level who works as the Department's Press and Information Officer. There was one press officer employed by my Department in 2002. The number of press officers employed in the State Bodies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for those bodies.

Departmental Websites.

Damien English

Question:

430 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if podcasts are available for download by members of the public on websites maintained by her Department and its agencies; if not, her plans to introduce podcasts as a communications tool; if so, the number of times a podcast has been downloaded to date in 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32372/07]

There are no podcasts available for downloading from my Department's websites. However, this is one of the issues that will be considered in the context of the forthcoming redevelopment of the Department's website. The operation of the websites of agencies under the aegis of my Department is a matter for the agencies concerned.

Departmental Properties.

Damien English

Question:

431 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the works or measures that have taken place in 2007 to make her Departmental buildings more environmentally friendly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32387/07]

Earlier this year the heating of my Department's office in Johnstown Castle in Wexford was switched over to a Woodchip boiler. Following a survey carried out by the Office of Public Works it has been decided to install biofuel heating systems in the following Offices of my Department; Ballina AES Office, Cavan Regional Office, Castlebar Office, Ennis Local Office, Enniscorthy Local Office, Longford Local Office, Mullingar Local Office and Nenagh Local Office. It is envisaged that the Office of Public Works will have these heating systems installed early next year.

Building Management Systems have been installed in recent years at all Department Offices (including Agriculture House) with a floor area greater than 1,000 sq meters. These systems are set up to avail of off peak/low rate electricity where possible. They also control use of electricity, gas and oil in all such Offices and centrally controls temperature in these Offices.

High efficiency fluorescent lighting is in place in all DAFF Offices. This lighting is considered by the OPW to be five times more energy efficient than conventional lighting. In more recently built and refurbished Department Offices lighting control systems have been installed which automatically switch off lighting in Office areas that are unoccupied. During 2007, the Department has continued its desktop computer upgrade programme, which involves the replacement of older models of computer with more environmentally friendly models resulting in reduced demand for electrical power.

Animal By-Products.

Martin Ferris

Question:

432 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if her attention has been drawn to the destination of animal intestines sent from a plant (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [32442/07]

The legislative basis for the control and disposal of animal by-products not intended for human consumption is Regulation (EC) No 1774/2002, the Animal By-Products Regulation. Offal, belly grass and slurry are regarded as animal by-products under this Regulation. Raw animal by-products (offal) from meat factories must be processed in accordance with the Animal By-Products Regulation in establishments which are approved for that purpose.

Information regarding the destination of animal by-products from a specific plant cannot be disclosed as it is commercially sensitive. However I can advise the Deputy that typically the bulk of this material is sent to rendering plants, accompanied by commercial documentation which provides the necessary traceability, with portion of some organs such as livers and lungs used in the manufacture of petfood. Digestive tract content (belly grass) and manure (slurry) may be spread on land in accordance with Regulation (EC) 1774/2002 if the competent authority does not consider them to present a risk of spreading any serious transmissible disease.

Milk Quota.

Michael Creed

Question:

433 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a person (details supplied) in County Cork has applied for additional milk quota on hardship grounds to the Milk Quota Tribunal; when the next meeting of the tribunal is scheduled; if this applicant will be considered at this meeting; the criteria used to evaluate applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32461/07]

Allocations of milk quota from the National Reserve are granted on the basis of recommendations from the Milk Quota Appeals Tribunal. The Tribunal examines and makes recommendations on applications for additional quota from individual producers taking into account factors such as current quota size, off-farm income and/or other farm enterprises, size of holding, and family circumstances, including succession. The applicant's commitment to dairying, their financial situation and previous allocations from the National Reserve are also considered, as are any other circumstances relevant to the application as outlined by the applicant.

The person named has applied to the Tribunal in the current milk quota year. The application will be considered at the first meeting of the Tribunal, which is scheduled for 13th December 2007 and the applicant will be notified of the outcome.

Grant Payments.

Michael Creed

Question:

434 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork is having difficulty transferring their single farm payment entitlements; if she will confirm that these entitlements are legally owned by the applicant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32474/07]

An application to transfer National Reserve entitlements with land by way of lease under the 2007 Single Payment Scheme from the person named was received on the 11th May 2007. The entitlements in question were consolidated in 2005, at the request of the person named. Entitlements that are consolidated change status from Standard to National Reserve Entitlements. Under the terms and conditions of the Single Payment Scheme, entitlements allocated under the National Reserve (including consolidated entitlements) may not, except in the case of gift/inheritance be transferred for a period of 5 years. The person named has been informed accordingly.

Sheep Sector.

Ulick Burke

Question:

435 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will introduce a support mechanism for sheep farmers in view of the declining number of breeding ewes in the flocks in the country and the numbers of farmers exiting sheep farming; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32499/07]

The sheep sector is an important part of the overall agri-food sector and its future depends on its ability to meet the needs of the market. The downward trend is production and an ageing consumer profile are major factors which the industry felt should be examined in order to develop a way forward. With this in mind the industry established the Sheep Industry Development Strategy Group which included representatives from all interested parties including the relevant state bodies and my Department. The Group's report set out a series of recommendations covering areas such as production, research, advice, processing and marketing.

I established an implementation Group to see how the recommendations could best be implemented and it reported to me last April. The objective is to facilitate the development of a more profitable sheep sector in Ireland covering the lamb production, lamb processing and marketing sectors of the industry. Most of the recommendations in the Strategy report fall to be implemented by the industry itself and it is too early at this stage to assess their impact. The recommendations are supported by my Department through assistance for breeding and management, processing facilities, mechanical grading and quality assurance.

In addition, and in line with the Group's report, sheep farmers are major beneficiaries of various schemes being operated by my Department. Under REPS 4, a new supplementary measure aimed at sheep farmers has been introduced. A budget of €28m a year has been allocated to fund the proposed new supplementary measure at an overall cost of over €170m for the period to 2013.

In addition to the measures being taken at producer and processor level, Bord Bia's marketing and promotional efforts will be critical. Bord Bia will continue to organize strategic marketing campaigns in selected European markets. The downward trend in lamb consumption within the EU presents a real challenge. To address this challenge, Bord Bia is collaborating with its French and British counterparts to develop a 3 year generic lamb promotion on the French market to promote lamb to younger consumers. This campaign, which amounts to a major new initiative on the European Lamb market, is due to commence early in 2008.

Following the decoupling of market supports and the introduction of the Single Farm Payment, it is not possible to provide direct support for production. I believe however that, with the cooperation of all stakeholders and in line with the approach set out above, the sheep sector can continue to make an extremely valuable contribution to the agri-food sector and to the economy as a whole.

Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Ulick Burke

Question:

436 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of farmers in County Galway who are participants in the REP scheme three and REP scheme two over the past four years; the number who have opted out of the scheme; the number of farmers who have had penalties incurred under each of the schemes during these years; the value of such penalties; the reason for the delay in REP scheme four; if the 17% increase announced in Budget 2007 has been approved; when the scheme will be put into operation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32500/07]

The number of farmers in Galway participating in REPS 2 and REPS 3 at the end of the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 is set out in following table.

Year

REPS 2

REPS 3

2004

4,284

1,035

2005

3,278

2,306

2006

1,470

5,101

2007

243

5,352

(The apparent increase in REPS 3 numbers in 2007, even though the Scheme closed to new entrants at the end of December 2006, is because there were applicants approved before the end of December 2006 whose first payments did not issue until the New Year.)

The number of farmers in Galway who have had penalties imposed in 2004, 2005, 2006 and to date in 2007 is set out in the following table.

Year

Farmers

Value (€000)

% of REPS expenditure in Galway

2004

169

188

0.74

2005

278

263

0.85

2006

222

241

0.71

2007

284

303

1.09

There is no provision for opting out of a REPS contract. Other than in specified circumstances of force majeure or cases where the land is transferred and continues to be farmed to REPS standards, a participant who fails to complete his or her five-year undertaking must refund all the payments they have received.

There is no delay in REPS 4. Applications have been accepted in my Department's local offices since 1 September 2007. REPS 4 payment rates reflect the 17 % increase provided for in Towards 2016.

EU Directives.

Ulick Burke

Question:

437 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the action she will take to prevent Directives of EU Parliament’s Environment Committee proceeding with proposals to restrict crop protection which would seriously impact on food supply especially in crops like, potatoes and other vegetable crops; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32501/07]

The Directives mentioned in the question refer to the proposals of the EU Commission on the sustainable use of pesticides which are currently under consideration. These proposals are subject to the Co-decision process, involving both the EU Council and the EU Parliament working in parallel. The EU Parliament adopted a position on these proposals at its plenary session on 23 October last. I am aware that the European Parliament's adopted position refers to "use reduction", prohibitions or severe restrictions in relation to use of certain plant protection products. My Department is actively participating in the discussions at Council, and is aware of the possible negative consequences for Irish crop production of the EU Parliament's agreed position.

At EU Council, my Department's position is that:

any additional controls proposed be justified,

any use restrictions to be based on scientifically valid risk assessments,

and environmentally sensitive agricultural production be sustainable.

While the Parliament has adopted a position, Council has not yet completed a first reading of the legislative texts concerned. Consequently there is no agreed EU position at this time and discussions on the proposals are continuing.

Youth Services.

Michael Kennedy

Question:

438 Deputy Michael Kennedy asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will report on the VEC’s programme in relation to the provision of youth cafés; if there are plans for the provision of such a facility in north County Dublin; and if there has been progress on the plan for the installation of the youth café (details supplied) in County Dublin. [32308/07]

My Department has no direct involvement in youth cafés. From enquiries made with the Co. Dublin VEC I understand that at present there are four (4) youth drop-in centres operated by Co. Dublin VEC i.e Tallaght, Corduff, Bawnogue and Lucan. With regard to the specific premises in question, I understand from the VEC that agreement has been reached between Fingal County Council and Co. Dublin VEC for the establishment and operation of a drop-in centre at these premises. I also understand that Co. Dublin VEC is now exploring avenues of funding to support the operational costs involved in the case in question.

Departmental Correspondence.

Jack Wall

Question:

439 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31868/07]

The correspondence referred to by the Deputy relates to Circular 0044/2007 on Language and Literacy in the infant classes in Irish medium schools. It requires such schools to implement arrangements under which minimum timeframes set out in the curriculum are provided for, and the introduction of English as a second language is not delayed beyond the start of the second term in junior infant classes.

The revised primary curriculum was launched in 1999 after extensive consultation with the partners in education. Page 27 in the Introduction to the Curriculum states "It is a particular feature of Irish primary education that children, from the beginning of schooling, have experience of language learning in two languages." It also sets out a suggested minimum weekly time framework for tuition. This provides that where a first language is being taught, there should be four hours instruction per week, and 3 hours per week where there is a shorter day for the infant classes. Where a second language is being taught, the suggested minimum timeframe is 3.5 hours per week, and 2.5 hours per week for infant classes with a shorter day.

Some time ago my Department sought the advice of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment on issues relating to emergent literacy in Irish medium schools. The NCCA produced a series of reports on the matter, including a consultation paper, a literature review of research, and a report on the consultation process. The Council presented its final advice in February 2007.

Having considered the advice in full, I have determined as a public policy issue that the position as set out in the curriculum, and in previous Parliamentary Questions, should remain unchanged i.e that the minimum recommended timeframe set out for a second language in the curriculum should be adhered to. The fundamental issue in this case concerns upholding the rights of all children to access the full curriculum from the earliest possible stage.

School Staffing.

Brian Hayes

Question:

440 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science when a person (details supplied) will receive the current correct rate of pay and back-pay for an RPT contract that this person is entitled to; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31880/07]

The person referred to by the Deputy has been requested to submit her qualifications and transcripts of her qualification results. On receipt of these papers a decision will be made regarding her qualifications for the position advertised. If her qualifications are in order, arrears of both basic salary and qualification allowances will be backdated to her date of appointment together with any incremental credit due.

Dara Calleary

Question:

441 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason her Department will not sanction the appointment of an RTT to a school (details supplied) in County Mayo despite the fact that the school is 21 students in excess of the limit for the appointment and is turning students away. [31884/07]

The school in question currently has the support of two resource teachers (RTTs) for traveller pupils. I can confirm that an application for a third RTT is receiving consideration. A decision will be conveyed to the school authorities as soon as this process has been completed.

Departmental Publications.

Brian Hayes

Question:

442 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department published an annual report in 2007; if not, when her Department plan to publish one; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31926/07]

My Department's 2006 Annual Report is being formatted for publication. The Report will be available on the Department's website in the coming weeks.

School Curriculum.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

443 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of her recent announcement to distribute copies of a recently published biography on Eamon de Valera (details supplied) to every secondary school nationwide, she will distribute biographies of James Connolly and Michael Collins in the interest of providing a balanced view of Irish history to secondary school students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31940/07]

My Department's inspectorate recommended the distribution of the Judging Dev publication on receipt of an application from the History In Service Team (HIST) to collaborate with the Royal Irish Academy and RTE to make the Judging Dev book available to all post primary schools, and I was happy to support this initiative.

The release of the book, which reassesses the career of Eamon de Valera in the light of the recently catalogued De Valera Archive, coincides with the 70th anniversary of the 1937 Constitution. The book brings together many documents/photographs/posters from archives around the country and abroad to shed light on de Valera's central role in the history of the Irish state.

It was considered that Judging Dev would assist students in their study of modern Irish History, especially as the emphases in the new syllabuses are on documentary study and individual research. This initiative is right in the centre of such methodology and study.

The provision of this book to second level schools should be seen in the context of my Department's practice of providing resources to teachers in relation to in-service training. In addition, an accompanying RTE Radio One Series, an online exhibition, podcasts of the series, a website, www.dev.ie and teacher-developed class plans support the use of this material in the classroom.

Schools Building Projects.

Mary O'Rourke

Question:

444 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation with regard to the provision of a new primary school (details supplied) in County Westmeath. [31953/07]

As the Deputy will be aware, the Area Development Plan for the N4/M4 corridor published by the Commission on School Accommodation finds that the extra accommodation being provided by the Department at the existing school will be sufficient to meet the immediate needs of the area concerned in the short term. The Commission also finds that the Department should determine how the long terms needs of the area can best be met.

This matter is currently under active consideration in the Department with a view to providing additional primary accommodation as soon as possible.

Home Tuition.

James Reilly

Question:

445 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will approve the application and continuation of home tuition allowance for a child (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31960/07]

I wish to inform the Deputy that home tuition has been sanctioned until Christmas for the child in question.

School Staffing.

Michael Creed

Question:

446 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science the grade and status of the jobs announced by her for a location (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31962/07]

A final determination on the grading and status of these posts has not yet been reached.

Teaching Qualifications.

Joe McHugh

Question:

447 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason students from the Republic of Ireland, who choose to study in Northern Ireland, have to go through a long and arduous process to get their degrees recognised by her Department in order to take up teaching posts; if she has made efforts to harmonise the education systems in order that degrees undertaken anywhere on the island are recognised north and south; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31976/07]

Under the Lisbon Convention and the EU Directive on Mutual Recognition of professional qualifications, Ireland is committed to giving appropriate recognition to qualifications from other countries. The National Qualifications Authority of Ireland hosts a network of qualifications and quality assurance agencies from Ireland, Northern Ireland, England, Wales and Scotland, and this network has agreed a ready reckoner showing how levels of qualification in Ireland and the UK align with each other. This provides useful information for employers, learners and education and training providers for comparing qualifications. In addition the Authority is a national recognition centre for qualifications which is linked with similar national centres throughout the EU.

The teaching profession is regulated for the purposes of employment as a teacher in the public sector in Ireland. EU Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications came into force on 20th October 2007 and ensures that professionals from any of the EU member states proposing to enter a regulated profession will have their qualifications and experience recognised appropriately. The Teaching Council of Ireland is the competent authority for the regulation of the teaching profession in Ireland and holds the register of teachers approved to teach in publicly funded schools in the State.

As a general principle, persons recognised to practice a regulated profession in their Member State of origin must be given recognition to practice that profession in a host EU Member State. However if there are shortfalls or significant gaps in the applicant's qualifications or experience vis-à-vis those required in the host Member State, the host State may require a compensatory measure -- either an aptitude test or an adaptation period under supervised practice which addresses the shortfall. Therefore, such qualifications are examined on a case by case basis to ensure that the person concerned is appropriately qualified to teach in Irish schools. This is in line with normal practice under the EU Directive. While the Teaching Council is familiar with the majority of teacher training programmes provided in Northern Ireland, there are some instances where the matter has to be referred to an assessor for further examination. In addition, there is a large volume of applications for recognition of qualifications gained in other jurisdictions, and this may sometimes lead to delay.

Primary teachers trained in another jurisdiction, whose qualifications have been recognised by the Teaching Council, but who do not possess an appropriate Irish language qualification are granted provisional recognition to teach in national schools, but are required to gain competency to teach Irish within a 5 year period. In order to satisfy the Irish language requirement such teachers must pass an Irish language examination (Scrúdú Cáilíochta sa Ghaeilge) before being granted full recognition.

Scholarship Programmes.

Michael Ring

Question:

448 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide a detailed breakdown on a yearly basis since 1998 of the funding provided to an organisation. [31980/07]

In 1998, the George Mitchell Scholarship Programme was established and the Government agreed to contribute an endowment of IR£2 million to the Programme. The purpose of the Programme is to enable highly qualified American students to attend third level institutions in Ireland for post graduate studies.

The George Mitchell Scholarship Fund Act was enacted in December 1998 and it empowered the Minister for Education and Science to establish the Fund in the United States and to enter into agreement with persons to manage and control the Fund. The Agreement for the management of the Fund was signed with the US-Ireland Alliance in March 1999 and my Department paid the IR£2 million endowment in that year. No further payments in this regard have been made by my Department to date.

The income from the Fund provides for the establishment and administration of the Programme as well as two scholarships per annum. The US-Ireland Alliance also secures additional funding from other sources which enables the Programme to expand the number of scholarships offered annually.

Michael Ring

Question:

449 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of students who actually came here under a scholarship programme (details supplied); and the number of students who benefited from the programme, giving details on an annual basis since the introduction of the scholarship. [31981/07]

Since the commencement of the George Mitchell Scholarship Programme, a total of 93 US students have been awarded George Mitchell scholarships and have undertaken postgraduate studies in third level institutes in Ireland North and South. The breakdown for each academic year is as follows:

Year

2000/2001

12

2001/2002

12

2002/2003

12

2003/2004

11

2004/2005

12

2005/2006

11

2006/2007

11

2007/2008

12

Schools Refurbishment.

Tony Gregory

Question:

450 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science the funding sought by a school (details supplied) in Dublin 9; and the funding her Department is making available to the school. [31993/07]

The school to which the Deputy refers applied to the Department for funding under the Small Schools Scheme 2007. Due to the volume of applications received it was not possible to allocate funding to all applicants and the school was not successful in this instance.

The school has applied for funding under the Summer Works Scheme 2008 for window replacement. Decisions on this scheme will be made in due course.

Departmental Offices.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

451 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has carried out a study of opening hours of public offices under the control or remit of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32001/07]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

455 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the opening hours of her Department’s public offices and public phone lines and if they close for lunch; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32051/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 451 and 455 together.

My Department's offices in Dublin, Athlone and Mullingar open to the public from 9.15am to 5.30pm and do not close for lunch. The same times apply to the Department's main phone lines. The Department's Press Office operate from 8am to 8pm and the Press Officer can also be contacted outside normal office hours.

The Department's Regional Offices open to the public from 10.00am to 12.45pm and from 2.00pm to 4.30pm. The Regional offices provide a lo-call number which operates from 9.30am to 5.15pm. Staff in the Regional Offices also represent the Department at various local and regional meetings outside normal working hours as required. Members of the Department's Inspectorate also attend evening meetings of school boards of management etc as required.

Schools Amalgamation.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

452 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the future of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32015/07]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

453 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 will become or be subsumed into the new VEC community national school planned for the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32016/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 452 and 453 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, the school to which he refers opened in September 2007 under the Patronage of the Catholic Archdiocese on a two year temporary basis. A decision on the future of Scoil Choilm will be taken in consultation with the interested parties.

Departmental Correspondence.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

454 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the official forms issued by her Department for use by the public and business which can be completed on-line; the forms which can not; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32036/07]

My Department has recently developed its first eGovernment service — the Online Claims System. The system is a web based system which enables Primary, Secondary and Community/ Comprehensive schools to input claims for the payment of casual and non casual teachers and also record teacher absences on line using a computer in the school.

The system was rolled out to Secondary and Community and Comprehensive Schools in 2006. The roll out of the system to primary schools began in April 2007 and to-date 2,000 primary schools are using the system. The roll out to all primary schools is scheduled to be completed by March 2008. This is the first eGovernment project developed by the Department.

A range of other forms are available to download from the Department's website at www.education.ie. In some cases the forms can be downloaded from the website and when completed they can be emailed back to the relevant section in the Department. In other cases, the forms must be submitted in hard copy as a signature or other information in hard copy may need to accompany the form.

The forms available on my Department's website are mainly targeted at schools and other education providers or parents and students.

Question No. 455 answered with QuestionNo. 451.

Departmental Offices.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

456 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the opening hours for the public offices and telephone lines and if they close for lunch for each of the agencies and State bodies that are under the control of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32066/07]

A number of the bodies and agencies under the remit of my Department are not required to have public offices because of the types of functions they carry out. Information on those agencies and bodies that do have public offices is currently being compiled in my Department and will be sent to him as soon as possible.

Schools Building Projects.

Terence Flanagan

Question:

457 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the withdrawal of funding for the school building fund of a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32088/07]

My Department is spending over €540m this year on the delivery of over 1,500 school building projects throughout the country. This is the first phase of investment under the Government's National Development Plan which will involve over €4.5 billion being invested in school buildings over the next 7 years. This year alone will see construction work that will ultimately deliver over 17,500 school places. My Department closely monitors the flow of projects on a regular basis in order to match with the flow of funding under the National Development Plan. While my Department has a devolved approach to delivery at local school level, there is still regular contact with many of these schools, including the school in question, about the timing of when projects can proceed.

Higher Education Grants.

Damien English

Question:

458 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science when she expects a higher education grant application for a person (details supplied) in County Meath will be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32092/07]

Damien English

Question:

459 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science when she expects a higher education grant application for a person (details supplied) in County Meath will be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32093/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 458 and 459 together.

The decision on eligibility for third level grants is a matter for the relevant assessing authority — i.e. the local authority or VEC. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department except, in exceptional cases, where, for example, advice or instruction regarding a particular clause in the relevant scheme is required.

If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to the relevant local authority or VEC.

Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by the relevant local authority or VEC, and remains of the view that the body has not interpreted the schemes correctly in his/her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to my Department.

Alternatively, as already indicated, the local authority or VEC may, itself, in exceptional circumstances, seek clarification on issues from my Department.

Schools Building Projects.

Joe Carey

Question:

460 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science when a technical assessment of a school (details supplied) in County Clare will be carried out; when the project will move to architectural design and planning phase; when it is expected that this project will be completed; her views on whether the school is a priority of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32128/07]

An application for capital funding towards the provision of an extension at the school referred to by the Deputy has been assessed and the long term projected enrolments has been determined. In order to determine how best to provide for the school's future accommodation needs, a technical assessment of the existing school buildings will have to be carried out in order to finalise the schedules of accommodation. The building project required to meet the school's accommodation needs will be considered in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme.

School Transport.

Joe McHugh

Question:

461 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the re-routing of a school bus (details supplied) in County Donegal, which would bring four families closer to the collection point and also reduce the travel time of the bus; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32139/07]

Bus Éireann which operates the School Transport Scheme, on behalf of my Department, are responsible for the planning and timetabling of school transport services.

In general, primary school transport routes are planned so that, as far as possible, no eligible pupil will have more than 2.4 kilometres to travel to a pick up point. The family referred to by the Deputy reside 0.2 kilometres from the pick-up point of the existing service.

Bus Éireann has advised my Department that an extension to the existing service is not feasible due to operational reasons.

Special Educational Needs.

Joe McHugh

Question:

462 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a pupil (details supplied) in County Donegal has only been getting learning support, despite a detailed assessment stating that they need special resource teaching; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32140/07]

As the Deputy is aware, a new general allocation system was introduced in May 2005, under which schools have been provided with resource teaching hours, based on their enrolment figures, to cater for children with high incidence special needs such as dyslexia and those with learning support needs.

The general allocation system means that rather than schools having to make individual applications to this Department for resources for such pupils, resources are provided in advance to the school. The school attended by the pupil referred to by the Deputy has been allocated 0.9 teaching posts (22.5 hours) to provide for the educational needs of the pupils with high incidence special needs and learning support needs.

The board of management may decide how these hours are divided among the pupils in the school, to ensure that all their needs are met. Research shows that some pupils with special needs will respond better with one-to-one tuition. Others, however, do better when taught in small groups. Often it is best for resource/learning support teachers to work with pupils in the classroom rather than taking them away to a separate room, as the pupils then have to catch up on work done by the rest of the class in their absence.

My Department issued a comprehensive circular, SP ED 02/05 to schools which provides guidelines on the manner in which they should use the resources that have been allocated to them to best effect. As the pupil in question has been diagnosed with dyslexia her special educational needs should be catered for within the general allocation granted to the school.

Schools Building Projects.

Joe McHugh

Question:

463 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason the construction of a school (details supplied) in County Donegal has yet to begin; if there is a problem, the reason the board of management have not been notified; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32141/07]

The tender report for the school referred to by the Deputy is under examination in my Department at present. The school's Board of Management will be kept advised of developments when the examination is complete.

Higher Education Grants.

Richard Bruton

Question:

464 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if there is a limit to earnings a student may themselves earn before those earnings would be added to their parents income in assessing eligibility for higher education grants. [32148/07]

The assessment of means under my Department's third level student support schemes is based on gross income from all sources of the candidate and his/her parents/guardians, where applicable, with certain social welfare and health service executive payments being exempt.

Clause 13 of the Higher Education Grant Scheme deals with the declaration of income and other information. The clause includes the following: "A declaration of reckonable income shall be made by the candidate and the candidate's parents or guardians or, in the case of an independent mature candidate, by the candidate and the candidate's spouse, if applicable, and they shall submit to the Local Authority such information and documentation as may be required by it to process the application in full. It will be the responsibility of candidates to ensure that the statement of income and other details sought is full and complete in every respect. If a candidate's failure to provide this full and complete information be the result of a deliberate material omission or inaccuracy, the candidate(s) shall be liable to prosecution, loss of grant and repayment, with interest, of any portion of a grant already received."

It is necessary, therefore, that information regarding all income, including that from after school/weekend employment, is accounted for when completing the grant application form. However, in the assessment of means allowance is made for "holiday earnings" on the part of the candidate. Under the terms of the Schemes holiday earnings are considered as a candidate's reasonable earnings from employment outside of term time. At present holiday earnings of up to €3,810 are regarded as reasonable and are, accordingly, excluded in the calculation of reckonable income for grant purposes.

Third Level Charges.

Richard Bruton

Question:

465 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the student registration fee at third level; if this fee comes up for review in 2008; if she issues guidelines related to some price index of the acceptable rate of increase. [32149/07]

The student charge is levied by third level institutions to defray the costs of examinations, registration and students services, which are not covered by the free tuition fees scheme. The student charge is €825 for the 2007/2008 academic year.

All students who are eligible for means tested student support have the student charge paid on their behalf by the Local Authorities or the Vocational Education Committees, in addition to any maintenance grant and tuition fee grant they are entitled to. No decision has been made in relation to the rate of this charge for the 2008/09 academic year.

Schools Building Projects.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

466 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of new primary schools built in County Wexford in the past three years. [32164/07]

I wish to inform the Deputy that in addition to a number of extension/ refurbishment projects there was one new 8 classroom school built in Wexford in the past three years. There are four major extension/refurbishment projects currently on site.

School Accommodation.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

467 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Education and Science the cost of hiring and purchasing prefabs for primary schools in County Wexford for the past five years. [32165/07]

I wish to advise the Deputy that in general, the Board of Management of a school is responsible for acquiring temporary accommodation, including procurement of prefabricated buildings. Accordingly the contract is between a school's Board of Management and a supplying contractor and thus the information requested in the format sought by the Deputy is not readily available.

Schools Building Projects.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

468 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Education and Science the stage the redevelopment of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford is at. [32166/07]

I can confirm to the Deputy that the school to which he refers has applied for large scale capital funding for the provision of ancillary accommodation. This application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a Band 2 rating. Progress on the project is being considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Higher Education Grants.

Brian Hayes

Question:

469 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the delays in processing and paying grants for third level students with dyslexia who have been approved for EU funding under the National Development Plan 2007 to 2013; the reason many of these students whose applications are approved in December of each year do not receive payment until April of the following year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32217/07]

The Fund for Students with Disabilities has witnessed exponential growth over the last few academic years. The Fund continues to grow by approximately 20% per annum. Between 2003-4 and 2006-7 there has been an increase of 63% in the number of applications. Most categories of disabilities are increasing as the volume increases year on year, however, applications from people with specific learning difficulties (SLD) / dyslexia have increased by 116% between 2003-4 and 2006-7. Applications from students with dyslexia continually account for 50-55% of all applications to the Fund each year. In 2006-7 over 2,400 students were approved for funding.

The Fund is co-financed by the government and the European Social Fund. Applications to the Fund are made to the National Access Office (NAO) by the institution on the student's behalf. The funding approved would be paid directly to the institution, who would use the funding to put in place the supports approved for each student. Institutions are required to complete financial returns in relation to the expenditure on the Fund for each academic year.

At the beginning of each academic year applications which were approved in previous years are automatically renewed (renewal applications) by the NAO. Payment of these applications is followed up shortly afterwards. This ensures that each institution has a certain level of funding available at the beginning of the academic year while first-time applications that have been submitted can be assessed by the NAO.

Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme.

Noel Coonan

Question:

470 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the rates of payment for meal and travel allowance for VTOS learners; her proposals to increase these allowances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32223/07]

I would refer the House to my reply to Question No. 300 of 21 November 2007.

The Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) is a second — chance education initiative, which is funded by my Department, for unemployed persons who are at least 21 years of age and in receipt of certain social welfare payments for at least six months. It is operated through the Vocational Education Comitttees. The aim of the Scheme is to give unemployed people education and training opportunities which will develop and prepare them to go into paid employment, or on to further education opportunities leading to paid employment.

A training allowance is paid by the VECs to students who previously drew unemployment benefit or assistance. The student ceases to receive an unemployment payment and, instead, receives a VTOS training allowance at a rate equivalent to the maximum rate of unemployment benefit, plus a payment for an adult or child dependant, if appropriate. VTOS students also retain their social welfare secondary benefits.

The allowances for VTOS students for meals and travel referred to in the question are equivalent to these paid to participants on FÁS training courses. VTOS students are entitled to a meal allowance of €0.80 per day. They may be entitled to a travel allowance if they reside more than 3 miles from a centre. This weekly allowance ranges from €4.60 for a distance of 3 to 5 miles to €32.60 for a distance of 40 to 50 miles from a centre. These allowances are increased periodically in line with increases in FÁS rates. The current rates are in operation since 2002. An increase in the FÁS rates will be necessary before VTOS rates can be increased.

School Curriculum.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

471 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of students who have undertaken the transition year programme for each of the past ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32235/07]

The Transition Year Programme (TYP) is part of the revised Senior Cycle structure. My Department provides a special per capita grant to schools in the free education scheme offering TYP. This is in respect of additional teaching hours required to allow for co-ordination and planning and for any other expenses related exclusively to the TYP.

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the TYP grant has been increased from €63.49 to €100 per pupil with effect from the 1st September 2007. With regard to the statistical information requested by the Deputy the following figures are taken from my Department's Annual Statistical Report.

Year

1997/1998

24,665

1998/1999

23,727

1999/2000

22,754

2000/2001

23,248

2001/2002

22,773

2002/2003

23,299

2003/2004

23,769

2004/2005

24,798

2005/2006

25,808

2006/2007

27,080

School Staffing.

Tony Gregory

Question:

472 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 155 of 22 November 2007, if the vocational education committees are responsible to her Department; if the funding they receive comes from her Department’s budget; if they are accountable to her Department in regard to the employment of teachers; and if she will request the vocational education committees to issue comprehensive reports to her Department on the number and gender of teachers employed by them. [32236/07]

There are 33 vocational education committees (VECs) established under the Vocational Education Acts, 1930 to 2001. Each VEC is a statutory body with its own corporate status. The functions and responsibilities of the VECs, including their requirements to report to the Minister for Education and Science, are defined in the governing legislation.

VECs provide a broad range of educational services. In addition to providing post-primary education, further and adult education, they also have responsibilities in areas such as community education, training for early school leavers, basic literacy courses, traveller education and the provision of youth services. My Department provides the majority of the funding required by VECs for the delivery of these programmes.

Under statutory provisions VECs are responsible for the recruitment, appointment and the payment of individual teacher salaries up to the allocation limit as outlined to the VEC by my Department. The type of contract offered to individual teachers whether full time or part time is also a matter for the individual VEC.

In the school year 2006/07 a total of 8,548 whole time equivalent teaching posts were allocated to VECs and funding is made available to VECs to pay this number of teachers.

Statistical returns from VECs indicate that teachers employed by VECs are approximately 62% female and 38% male. A summary of these returns is published in the annual statistical report of my Department.

Schools Building Projects.

James Bannon

Question:

473 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of a new school building for a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath. [32239/07]

The Department is aware of the current and planned housing developments for the area to which the Deputy refers and that additional accommodation will be required at the school in question to cater for a consequential increase in enrolments. As the Deputy will know, all applications for large scale capital funding are assessed against published prioritisation criteria and assigned a Band rating. Progress on individual projects is then considered in the context of the multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme consistent with the assigned Band rating. This is the case for the project in question.

The new National Development Plan (NDP) includes funding of €4.5 billion for investment in school building infrastructure. This will be the largest investment programme in schools in the history of the State and it will enable the Department to ensure that school places are available where needed as well as continuing to upgrade existing school facilities. This investment will allow the Department to continue the acceleration of the school building programme which commenced during the lifetime of the last NDP when well over €2.6 billion was invested on school development, delivering over 7,800 projects.

Teacher Training.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

474 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the fact that a person who wishes to begin primary teacher training upon completion of secondary school has no option available to them here but to attend a Catholic or Church of Ireland training college; if this violates the rights of teachers not of these faiths; her plans to establish non-denominational primary teacher training colleges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32311/07]

St. Patrick's College, Mary Immaculate College, Froebel College and Coláiste Mhuire Marino were established as denominational training colleges. However, they each now have links with third level colleges (DCU, UL and TCD respectively) and accept students of all faiths and none. Religious affiliation is not used by any of the Catholic Colleges of Education as an entry requirement.

The Church of Ireland College of Education, Rathmines, was established to provide an adequate supply of primary teachers capable of upholding and maintaining the distinctive ethos and spirit of Protestant national schools. Appropriate numbers of places on the B. Ed. Degree programme are reserved for students who are members of recognised Churches in the Protestant tradition. Remaining available places are made available to other candidates.

Hibernia College is now a major provider of primary teacher training and has no religious affiliation.

The Department has no intention of establishing a new teacher training college. However, following a request from Educate Together, a working group was formed earlier this year to explore the issue of teacher education in the context of the greater plurality of school patronage that now exists. The Department, the Colleges and Educate Together are members of the group.

It has emerged in the work of the group that the content of primary teacher education is inclusive and broad and teaches recognition and respect for all faiths and backgrounds and the valuing of diversity. The ‘Learn Together' ethical education curriculum provided in Educate Together schools is also frequently specifically addressed. The focus of the religious education modules is largely on methodology to enable teachers to teach this area of the curriculum confidently and competently.

Separate to the above, Colleges may also offer undergraduates an optional ‘Certificate in Religious Studies' particular to the denominational nature of the particular college. The working group continues to examine this issue.

Site Acquisitions.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

475 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has secured a site for a school (details supplied) in County Limerick. [32317/07]

The Office of Public Works, which acts generally on behalf of this Department on the acquisitions of sites for schools, has been requested to source a site for this school. A suitable site has been identified and its acquisition is at the conveyancing stages.

Agreement to enter a contract for the purchase of the site will be considered in the context of my Department's School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Schools Recognition.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

476 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has given consideration to a request for recognition by her Department of an ABA school (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32318/07]

The request for recognition to which the Deputy refers is associated with an application from the organisation in question for inclusion in the Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) pilot scheme which is funded by my Department.

The Deputy will be aware of my commitment to ensuring that all children including those with special needs can have access to an education appropriate to their needs preferably in school settings through the primary and post primary school network. This facilitates access to individualised education programmes (IEPs), fully qualified professional teachers who have received additional training in autism, special needs assistants, and the appropriate school curriculum with the option where possible of full/partial integration and interaction with other pupils. As each child with autism is unique it is important that children have access to a range of methods so their broader needs can be met.

In excess of 275 autism-specific classes have now been approved around the country at primary and post primary level by my Department in conjunction with National Council Special Education (NCSE), while more are being set up as required. At primary level there are a maximum of six children in each special class with a teacher and at least two special needs assistants. Extra assistants are provided where the children need them on a case by case basis.

The scheme referred to by the Deputy was established in the absence of this network of special classes in our schools. She will be aware that the Programme for Government commits to the long-term funding for the centres that are currently in the ABA pilot scheme subject to agreement with my Department on standards that will enable the Department to support them as primary schools for children with autism. I am pleased to advise that the issue is being actively progressed.

In terms of autism provision in other locations, we will continue to work to ensure that all children can have access to a broad programme, with provision for ABA as appropriate, in special classes.

Departmental Records.

Damien English

Question:

477 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science the way her Department disposes of redundant information technology equipment; if she is satisfied that all stored information has been removed prior to disposal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32347/07]

My Department has arrangements in place with external organisations for the safe and secure disposal of redundant information technology equipment. These organisations provide written confirmation that the disposal has been completed in a manner that renders all stored information unretrievable.

Departmental Staff.

Damien English

Question:

478 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of press officers that are employed in her Department, employed in each agency reporting to her Department, were employed in her Department in 2002 and were employed in each agency reporting to her Department in 2002; and if she will provide the information in tabular readable form. [32362/07]

The following is the information sought by the Deputy in relation to Press Officers employed in my Department or by bodies under the aegis of my Department in 2007 and 2002:

2007: Department of Education and Science — 1 Press officer

2002: Department of Education and Science — 1 Press officer

Bodies under the Aegis of my Department

2007: National Education Welfare Board (NEWB) — 1 Press Officer

2002: Nil. The NEWB was in the process of being set up in late 2002

Departmental Websites.

Damien English

Question:

479 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science if podcasts are available for download by members of the public on websites maintained by her Department and its agencies; if not, her plans to introduce podcasts as a communications tool; if so, the number of times a podcast has been downloaded to date in 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32377/07]

The information sought by the Deputy is being compiled in my Department and will be sent to him as soon as possible.

Departmental Properties.

Damien English

Question:

480 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science the works or measures that have taken place in 2007 to make her Departmental buildings more environmentally friendly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32392/07]

Energy saving lighting (using passive infra red fittings) has been installed in my Department's Athlone offices. The OPW are to investigate the suitability of using these fittings in the Dublin and Tullamore offices. Long life CFL lamps (energy efficient lighting) are used throughout my Department's offices where light fittings are suitable. In addition my Department has recently re-tendered for the provision of an expanded recycling service covering the confidential destruction and recycling of office waste paper, newspaper, cardboard, glass bottles, aluminium cans, plastics, wood and electrical items in respect of my Athlone, Dublin and Tullamore offices. All Regional, NEPS and Inspectors' Offices have local arrangements in place for the recycling of paper, etc. The amounts here are not substantial and would be uneconomical to include in my Department's recycling contract.

My Department is reviewing renewable options for energy generation in schools through a number of research projects including, Tory wind turbine project, Interreg solar hot water heating projects and Biomass wood pellet / wood chip boiler and solar projects. The Tory Island project involves the supply and installation of two wind turbines to provide electrical energy to serve the existing community facility and Vocational School situated on Tory Island.

My Department would encourage schools to consider the use of wind generated electricity which is available nationally through the National Grid. This in effect allows the school to benefit from the environmental and lower cost benefits of wind generated electricity without being exposed to operating and maintenance issues and reliability of supply.

With respect to energy programmes that would complement environmental work currently taking place under the green flags initiative for the past nine years the Planning and Building Unit within my Department have been using a process called the DART approach (Design, Awareness, Research, and Technology) to develop sustainable and energy efficiency in educational buildings. The policy is driven by technical guidance documents, informed by building unit professional and technical staff, external partnerships and updated by continued energy research and development.

Rather than develop a unique focus on energy design my Department has taken a more holistic approach and have developed their technical guidance on energy efficiency in school designs as an integral part of the suite of technical guidance documents. These guidelines encourage the design team to take a complete design team approach from project conception.

The incorporation of low energy design has been done on a hybrid basis by maximising natural resources and utilising technologies. This involves focusing on areas such as natural ventilation, passive solar design, day lighting and reducing infiltration, enhanced insulation, lighting and heating controls and water efficiency.

The focus to date on sustainability in schools has been to reduce the energy demand in schools. This has proven quite successful with modern day schools typically using three times less energy than schools built ten years ago and also using less than half the energy than what is termed as good international practice for schools.

Youth Projects.

Joe McHugh

Question:

481 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will reconsider the grant refusal for a community youth project (details supplied) in view of the good work that they doing for all the young people in that area. [32431/07]

My Department received an application for funding in 2007 on behalf of the community youth project in question under the Special Projects for Youth Scheme operated by the Youth Affairs Section. It was not possible to approve funding in this case due to the high level of existing commitments in the youth work sector and the large number of new applications received this year.

The financial resources available to me for 2007 have been committed and I am not in a position to make any future commitments at this time.

Schools Building Projects.

Martin Ferris

Question:

482 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made with regard to providing a new school to replace a school (details supplied) in County Kerry. [32443/07]

An application for capital funding towards the provision of a new school on a Greenfield site has been received from the school authority referred to by the Deputy. The application has been assessed and the long-term projected staffing figure on which accommodation needs will be based has been determined and notified to the school authorities. The Property management Section of the Office of Public Works (OPW) which acts on behalf of the Department in relation to site acquisitions generally, has been requested to source a suitable site for this school. The Department has been advised by the OPW that a suitable site has been identified and that its acquisition is currently under negotiations. Once the acquisition is finalised the building project required to deliver the school's accommodation needs will be considered for progression in the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Special Educational Needs.

Brian Hayes

Question:

483 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of resources available to students with dyslexia difficulties at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32459/07]

As the Deputy is aware, a new general allocation system was introduced in May 2005, under which schools have been provided with resource teaching hours, based on their enrolment figures, to cater for children with high incidence special needs such as dyslexia and those with learning support needs.

The general allocation system means that rather than schools having to make individual applications to this Department for resources for such pupils, resources are provided in advance to the school. The school referred to by the Deputy has been allocated 2.8 teaching posts (2 full posts and 20 hours) to provide for the educational needs of the pupils with high incidence special needs including dyslexia.

The board of management may decide how these hours are divided among the pupils in the school, to ensure that all their needs are met. Research shows that some pupils with special needs will respond better with one-to-one tuition. Others, however, do better when taught in small groups. Often it is best for resource/learning support teachers to work with pupils in the classroom rather than taking them away to a separate room, as the pupils then have to catch up on work done by the rest of the class in their absence.

My Department issued a comprehensive circular, SP ED 02/05 to schools which provides guidelines on the manner in which they should use the resources that have been allocated to them to best effect.

Institutes of Technology.

Brian Hayes

Question:

484 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school (details supplied) in Dublin 7 will be able to move into the Grangegorman Dublin Institute of Technology site in the first wave of new buildings on this site; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32464/07]

The Grangegorman Development Agency has been informed by my Department that a site for a sixteen classroom school is required for the school in question and that provision should be made for this in the overall strategic plan for the development of the Grangegorman site.

The proposed phasing for the delivery of the various aspects of the development will be identified by the Grangegorman Development Agency as part of the strategic plan as outlined in Section 12 of the Grangegorman Development Act 2005.

Site Acquisitions.

Brian Hayes

Question:

485 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans that exist to provide alternative school premises for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 7 in view of their pending eviction from their current premises by summer 2008; if her Department will liaise with the school to agree a plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32465/07]

The Department is aware that the current lease of the premises to which the Deputy refers is due to expire in June 2008. In this context, the Department is actively pursuing a number of options to accommodate the school elsewhere. It is understood that the school itself has a proposal and the Department is awaiting details of this.

In the longer term, the Department has requested that a permanent location for the school be included as part of the master planning process of the Grangegorman site.

School Curriculum.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

486 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the concern expressed by gaelscoileanna and Irish language organisations at the contents of Circular 0044/2007 regarding the teaching of English in gaelscoileanna; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32468/07]

The revised primary curriculum was launched in 1999 after extensive consultation with the partners in education.

Page 27 in the Introduction to the Curriculum states "It is a particular feature of Irish primary education that children, from the beginning of schooling, have experience of language learning in two languages." It also sets out a suggested minimum weekly time framework for tuition. This provides that where a first language is being taught, there should be four hours instruction per week, and 3 hours per week where there is a shorter day for the infant classes. Where a second language is being taught, the suggested minimum timeframe is 3.5 hours per week, and 2.5 hours per week for infant classes with a shorter day.

Some time ago my Department sought the advice of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment on issues relating to emergent literacy in Irish medium schools. The NCCA produced a series of reports on the matter, including a consultation paper, a literature review of research, and a report on the consultation process. The Council presented its final advice in February 2007.

Having considered the advice in full, I have determined as a public policy issue that the position as set out in the curriculum, and in previous Parliamentary Questions, should remain unchanged i.e that the minimum recommended timeframe set out for a second language in the curriculum should be adhered to. Accordingly, Circular 0044/2007 requires that Irish medium schools should provide for a minimum provision in English of 3.30 hours per week, or 2.5 hours per week where there is a shorter day for infant classes, no later than the start of the second term in Junior infants.

I met the National Parents' Council and a range of Irish language organisations to discuss the matter, and my officials met the Chief Executive of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment. In addition, the Council was notified formally of my decision in the matter prior to the issue of the Circular

Schools Building Projects.

Eamon Scanlon

Question:

487 Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Education and Science the position with regard to an application for funding by a school (details supplied) in County Leitrim; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32473/07]

An application for capital funding towards the provision of an extension has been received from the school authority referred to by the Deputy. An assessment of projected enrolment trends, demographic trends and housing developments in the area will be required in order to determine the long term projected enrolment figure on which the school's accommodation needs will be based.

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

Andrew Doyle

Question:

488 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the delay in implementing the commitment of her Department to a 16 teacher mainstream category one school in regard to expansion of schools (details supplied) in County Wicklow. [32522/07]

As the Deputy will be aware, all applications for large scale capital funding are assessed against published prioritisation criteria and assigned a band rating. Progress on individual projects is then considered in the context of the multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme consistent with that band rating. This is the case for the project in question which has been assigned a Band 2 rating.

The funding of €4.5 billion to be provided under the new National Development Plan (NDP) for investment in school building infrastructure will be adequate to meet the Department's needs over the lifetime of the Plan. This will be the largest investment programme in schools in the history of the State and it will enable the Department to ensure that school places are available where needed as well as continuing to upgrade existing school facilities. This investment will allow the Department to continue the acceleration of the school building programme which commenced during the lifetime of the last NDP when well over €2.6 billion was invested on school development, delivering over 7,800 projects.

John O'Mahony

Question:

489 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 531 of 27 November 2007, the individual building projects in County Leitrim; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32534/07]

John O'Mahony

Question:

490 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 528 of 27 November 2007, the individual building projects in County Sligo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32535/07]

John O'Mahony

Question:

491 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 527 of 27 November 2007, the individual building projects in County Roscommon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32536/07]

John O'Mahony

Question:

492 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 529 of 27 November 2007, the individual building projects in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32537/07]

John O'Mahony

Question:

493 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 526 of 27 November 2007, the individual building projects in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32538/07]

John O'Mahony

Question:

494 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 530 of 27 November 2007, the individual building projects in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32539/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 489 to 494, inclusive, together.

Information on the breakdown of individual projects and the funding allocated in each individual case is not readily available in the format in which it has been sought. However, if the Deputy requires information on a particular building project, I will arrange same to be provided.

Eamon Scanlon

Question:

495 Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Education and Science the position with regard to an application by a school (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32543/07]

The school referred to by the Deputy applied for funding for works under the Summer Works Scheme 2008. The breakdown of the 2008 building budget between the devolved and other schemes has not yet been determined.

Education Welfare Service.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

496 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children under 16 years who are currently excluded from school and awaiting an alternative school place; her views on whether the National Education Welfare Board is adequately resourced to meet the demands on it at present; her plans to enhance this service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32544/07]

Section 29 of the Education Act 1998 provides for an appeal to the Secretary General of my Department where a Board of Management of a school or a person acting on behalf of the Board refuses to enrol a student; suspends a student for a cumulative total of more than twenty days in an academic year; or expels a student from the school. In the year up to 19 September 2007, the number of appeals under S29 of the Act against expulsions is 44 in post Primary Schools and 2 in Primary schools. however,not all students who are excluded by way of expulsion resort to section 29 of the act.

Many children who are excluded from school benefit from the Home Tuition Scheme which provides funding to parents to provide education at home for children who, for a number of reasons such as chronic illness, are unable to attend school. The scheme was extended in recent years to facilitate tuition for children awaiting a suitable educational placement and also to provide early educational intervention for pre-school children with autism. A total of 628 children have been sanctioned for Home Tuition in the 2007/08 school year."

The Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 established the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) as the single statutory 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.

My Department has adopted a broad-based approach to tackling the issue school attendance. We established the National Educational Welfare Board to monitor attendance and help to get young people back to school. The Board runs promotional campaigns on the importance of attendance and finishing school and provides a service locally through its Education Welfare Officers to parents, children and schools.

In addition to the NEWB there are some 620 staff, within the education sector, deployed in education disadvantage programmes of which over 130 are additional posts allocated under DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) the action plan for educational inclusion which provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and a new integrated School Support Programme (SSP). The School Completion Programme and the Home School Community Liaison Scheme (HSCL) are preventative measures designed to combat issues of poor attendance and early school leaving. Children at risk of early school leaving are targeted under the School Completion Programme for a variety of extra supports aimed at encouraging them to stay in school. The supports cover both educational and non-educational interventions and are provided during and outside of school time. The Home School Community Liaison Scheme works to involve parents in their children's education which is a crucial component in convincing young people of the value of education. Consequently work is ongoing to develop appropriate protocols for all agencies and services to work together in collaboration and to ensure that optimum use is made of the resources deployed.

This government is determined to do all that is possible to ensure that every child gets all the opportunities and support they need to enable them to achieve their potential and participate fully in education. I am pleased to advise the Deputy that funding to the Board for 2007 amounted to €9.808 million. This represents an increase of 20% on the 2006 allocation and of 50% on the 2004 level. This substantial increase in funding is a clear indication of this Government's commitment to prioritise investment in favour of those most at risk. Through increased investment and improved services we are determined to optimise access, participation and educational outcomes at every level of the system for disadvantaged groups.

I will be keeping the issue of resources for the NEWB under review in light of the rollout of services, the scope for integrated working and any proposals that the Board may put to me in relation to clearly identified priority needs.

School Staffing.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

497 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32568/07]

The teacher referred to by the Deputy is currently on secondment approved by her Board of Management. The scheme of secondment is designed to facilitate the temporary release of a permanent teacher from his/her teaching post and the procedures for secondment arrangements are set out in Department Circular 11/02.

Under these arrangements a Board of Management, in framing a policy position on secondments is required to ensure that the welfare and educational needs of pupils take precedence over all considerations. The Board of Management must ensure a fully qualified temporary replacement teacher can be obtained to replace the teacher on secondment and retains the right to terminate the secondment should it encounter difficulties in filling the vacant teaching post. The replacement teacher will be paid on my Department's payroll as outlined in Primary Circular 0032/2007.

The Deputy has indicated in the details supplied that the qualified applicant for the post of replacement teacher is on career break. If this is the situation I would like to draw the Deputy's attention to Primary Circular 10/03, Career Breaks for Primary Teachers. Section 8.1 of this circular states, "a teacher on career break should not normally engage in any type of primary teaching. In exceptional circumstances, however, a teacher on career break may be employed in a short term temporary, substitute or part time capacity. It should be noted that teachers on career break who take up a teaching post in a temporary capacity are paid at the unqualified rate of pay".

It is of course open to any teacher on career break to resign his/her post to take up another teaching position.

All of the circulars to which I have referred are available on my Department's website.

Departmental Funding.

Enda Kenny

Question:

498 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science if she is satisfied that the schools start-up grant is adequate in view of the increasing costs being faced by new schools (details supplied); if she will review the grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32576/07]

The schools referred to by the Deputy are recognised primary schools and attract funding in the same way as all recognised primary schools.

The funding arrangements for primary schools currently include a start up grant of €6,348.69. I will be considering revisions to the funding position of primary and post-primary schools following the Budget statement by the Minister for Finance which will determine the final allocation of funding to my Department for 2008.

Schools Building Projects.

Deirdre Clune

Question:

499 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Education and Science if she has received an application from a school (details supplied) in County Cork to provide an extension to their premises; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32580/07]

An application for capital funding towards the provision of an extension has been received from the school authority referred to by the Deputy. An assessment of projected enrolment trends, demographic trends and housing developments in the area will be required in order to determine the long term projected staffing figure on which the 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 School Building and Modernisation programme.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

500 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation regarding the construction of a new primary school (details supplied) in County Cork; when she expects work to begin; her views on the fact that a delay in starting work will lead to cost overruns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32581/07]

My Department recently received a revised contract sum in respect of the new primary school referred to by the Deputy. As the documentation was not accompanied by a Quantity Surveyor's report, officials in my Department are now conducting a financial analysis of the revised contract sum. When the assessment is complete my Department will be in contact with the school's Board of Management. The progression of all projects, including the school in question, is considered in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

501 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation regarding the application by a school (details supplied) in County Cork for the construction of a new school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32622/07]

An extension/refurbishment project proposed for the school referred to by the Deputy is at the early stages of architectural planning.

Departmental Publications.

Brian Hayes

Question:

502 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Defence if his Department published an annual report in 2007; if not, when his Department plans to publish one; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31925/07]

The Annual Report of the Department of Defence and Defence Forces for 2006 was published in July 2007.

Among the significant developments that took place in 2006 and which are detailed in the Report were:

All ATCP (Aid to the Civil Power) and ACA (Aid to the Civil Authority) requests were met.

We continued to meet Ireland's international commitments with a total of 828 Defence Forces personnel serving overseas at 31 December 2006.

Major equipment purchased during 2006 included the first two medium-lift AW139 helicopters for the Air Corps (a further two are due for delivery this year). In December, an option in the contract to purchase an additional two AW139's (bringing the total to 6) was exercised.

A major inter-agency emergency response exercise was conducted in the Curragh in November.

Work on the National Emergency Coordination Centre was practically completed and a contract was placed for a robust communications system.

Work commenced in preparing for an Information and Public Awareness Campaign on Emergency Planning.

As part of the commemoration of the 90th Anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising, the traditional Easter Military Parade recommenced. Both the parade and other associated commemorative events generated great public approval and support.

Later in the year, a ceremony was held to mark the 90th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.

The legislative changes necessary to enable participation by the Defence Forces in EU Battlegroups were enacted.

A Bill to amend the Defence Act (Part V) was published in December. This part of the Act provides for disciplinary procedures under military law and needed to be brought in line with the European Convention on Human Rights.

The Office of the Defence Forces Ombudsman was established during the year.

The reorganisation of the Reserve Defence Force continued during the year in accordance with the Implementation Plan approved by me in late 2005.

During 2006, I took two significant initiatives towards improving female participation in the Defence Forces. I reduced the minimum height requirement and I initiated research in the area of attracting more women to enlist in the Defence Forces. The report of this research was published in April 2007. This will contribute to the formulation of policy and practice in this area for the future.

Defence Forces Appeals.

Finian McGrath

Question:

503 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Defence if he will assist a person (details supplied). [31963/07]

I have been advised by the military authorities that an appeal has been made to the relevant military authority in this matter on the 21 November 2007 and, as a consequence, it would not be appropriate for me to comment at this stage.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

504 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Defence if he will review an appeal by a person (details supplied) and make a favourable decision on that appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31969/07]

I have been advised by the military authorities that an appeal has been made to the relevant military authority in this matter on the 21 November 2007 and, as a consequence, it would not be appropriate for me to comment at this stage.

Departmental Offices.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

505 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Defence if his Department has carried out a study of opening hours of public offices under the control or remit of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32000/07]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

507 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Defence the opening hours of his Department’s public offices and public phone lines and if they close for lunch; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32050/07]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

508 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Defence the opening hours for the public offices and telephone lines and if they close for lunch for each of the agencies and State bodies that are under the control of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32065/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 505, 507 and 508 together.

My Department operates normal business hours and is open from Monday to Friday from 9.15 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. (5.15 pm on Friday). Telephonists also provide a service during these hours.

The Defence Force Press and Information Office operates on a daily basis from 08.30 to 17.00 hours. Defence Force Press and Information Officers are available twenty-four hours a day to deal with all public and media enquiries. In addition, public telephone numbers for military barracks and installations are readily available and are manned by duty personnel on a 24-hour basis.

Coiste an Asgard is available from 9.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. (5.15 pm on Friday) each day. This office's telephone lines are manned during business hours and have voice mail facilities which are operational on a 24-hour a day basis.

The Civil Defence Board's opening hours are Monday to Thursday from 9.15 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. (5.15 pm on Friday). The phone lines are open to the public for the duration of their opening hours, including lunchtime.

The Army Pensions Board does not have a public office. It may be contacted by telephone Monday to Friday 9.15 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 2.15 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. daily (5.15 p.m. on Friday).

Departmental Correspondence.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

506 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Defence the official forms issued by his Department for use by the public and business which can be completed on-line; the forms which can not; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32035/07]

The information requested by the Deputy is outlined below:

Forms that can be completed online:

Applications for Cadetships

Applications for Apprenticeships

Applications for Direct Entry (Officers)

Forms that cannot be completed online:

Sheep Branding Form

Request for Bank Details

Customer Comment Card

General Service Recruitment

Pension Forms

In addition, the Department makes its tender documents available for downloading on the Government E-Tenders website.

Questions Nos. 507 and 508 answered with Question No. 505.

Military Service Medals.

Phil Hogan

Question:

509 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Defence his views on giving a service medal to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32205/07]

The following table lists the medals issued by my Department for service spanning the period 1916 to 31 July 1924, the date on which the present day Defence Forces were legally established.

Service medals have not been struck in respect of the period of service of the person in question.

MEDALS ISSUED FOR SERVICE BEFORE 1924

1916 Medal

Service Medal (War of Independence)

Commemoration Medals (1966) Anniversary of Easter Rising

Commemoration Medals (1967) Anniversary of the War of Independence/Truce

Departmental Records.

Damien English

Question:

510 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Defence the way his Department disposes of redundant information technology equipment; if he is satisfied that all stored information has been removed prior to disposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32346/07]

My Department and the Defence Forces ensure that all redundant information technology equipment is disposed of by a reputable company chosen through a public tender competition and properly licensed for such disposals in accordance with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directives. Prior to disposal, the hard disks are formatted by IT staff and made unserviceable. I am satisfied that all appropriate measures are taken to ensure that data in such cases has been removed and is irrecoverable.

Departmental Staff.

Damien English

Question:

511 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Defence the number of press officers that are employed in his Department, employed in each agency reporting to his Department, were employed in his Department in 2002 and were employed in each agency reporting to his Department in 2002; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [32361/07]

My Department currently employs one press officer. In 2002, it also employed one press officer. Agencies reporting to my Department do not employ a press officer nor did they in 2002.

Departmental Websites.

Damien English

Question:

512 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Defence if podcasts are available for download by members of the public on websites maintained by his Department and its agencies; if not, his plans to introduce podcasts as a communications tool; if so, the number of times a podcast has been downloaded to date in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32376/07]

Podcasts are not currently available for download on my Department's or its agencies' websites and there are no plans, as yet, to introduce them. My Department continues to examine all aspects of available information technology to improve communications to the public, including podcasts and related tools, where they serve a specific purpose, are technically feasible and cost-effective. There have been no podcast downloads to date in 2007.

Departmental Properties.

Damien English

Question:

513 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Defence the works or measures that have taken place in 2007 to make his departmental buildings more environmentally friendly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32391/07]

My Department's headquarters at Infirmary Road, Dublin 7 was reopened in 1997 following a complete refurbishment to the highest standards and it has been maintained in an environmentally friendly condition since then. The proposed new headquarters in Newbridge, Co Kildare will be built having regard to efficient, economic and environmentally friendly standards.

A refurbishment programme recently carried out on my Department's offices at Renmore, Galway, had regard to environmental considerations, such as installing double glazed windows which provides greater comfort and a reduction in heating costs. My Department is mindful of the importance of maintaining its properties in an environmentally friendly manner.

Child Care Facilities.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

514 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence if he has received a report from the sub-committee established under the Defence Forces partnership steering group to examine the provision of child care facilities at the Curragh training camp in view of the Government’s policy on family friendly workplaces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32517/07]

A request to provide crèche facilities for members of the Defence Forces has been made by the Defence Forces Representative Associations.

The Defence Forces Partnership Steering Group, which was established following on from Partnership 2000, has tasked a Partnership Sub-Committee with examining the issue of the provision of child care facilities under a number of headings, including demand for places, location and cost. I am awaiting a report from the Sub-Committee on the feasibility of the project.

Work Permits.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

515 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the construction of a scheme which would allow asylum seekers, many of whom have skills which could be put to good use in the labour force here, to work while they are awaiting residency visas. [31099/07]

It is not proposed to allow asylum applicants to take up paid employment pending a final decision being made on their applications.

Section 9(4)(b) of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) provides that an applicant for asylum shall not seek or enter employment. It must also be borne in mind that under the 1996 Act asylum seekers only have temporary permission to remain in the State pending the determination of their applications. However, we must face the fact that, despite its humanitarian purpose, people seek protection under the 1996 Act (which gives effect to the State's obligations under the 1951 Geneva Convention) for the purpose of avoiding legitimate immigration controls in order to gain a foothold in the State for economic reasons. Similar trends have been experienced by other EU States.

I believe that extending the right to work would have a very negative impact on the number of asylum applications, as was experienced in the aftermath of the July 1999 decision to do so. The immediate effect of that measure was a threefold increase in the average number of applications per month leading to a figure of 1,217 applications in December 1999 compared with an average of 364 per month for the period January to July 1999.

Any proposal to grant asylum seekers access to the labour market would also undermine the current and effective work permit system which provides a comprehensive channel for legal migration to the State. It would further widen the gap in a negative manner in terms of reward between those who access the labour market legally through the work permit and visa channels and those who simply abuse the asylum process to gain entry.

It is a well established fact that those engaged in trafficking and those seeking to access the labour market without going through the appropriate legal channels are very quick to identify any perceived attractiveness of a country as a preferred or easily accessed destination. It is clear from the profile of applicants, and the results of the determination process, that a significant number of people have sought asylum in Ireland with a view to seeking work. Many people are already working illegally. It is my very strong belief that any extension of the right to work along the lines proposed by the Deputy would be portrayed abroad by people traffickers to potential victims as a guarantee of a right to work.

Departmental Publications.

Brian Hayes

Question:

516 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department published an annual report in 2007; if not, when his Department plan to publish one; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31932/07]

I assume that the Deputy is referring to the Annual Report for 2006, which falls to be published in 2007. My Department's Annual Report for 2006 was, in fact, published in April 2007 when it was laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. The Annual Report for 2006 was made available in hard copy and was also placed on my Department's website. As the Deputy will appreciate, an Annual Report for 2007 cannot be published until early 2008.

Citizenship Applications.

Mary O'Rourke

Question:

517 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath. [31955/07]

Officials in the Citizenship section of my Department inform me that there is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's question.

Departmental Correspondence.

Joe Costello

Question:

518 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will reply to an e-mail (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31961/07]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that in response to a call received, they called to the address of the person concerned. They subsequently carried out a search and patrol of the area concerned but were unable to locate the persons complained of.

I am further informed that the person concerned indicated to the Garda authorities that she did not wish to make a complaint in relation to the matter referred to, and that the purpose of the call was to notify the Gardaí of the incident with a view to dispersing the persons complained of.

I am advised that the Community Garda for the area is in regular contact with the person concerned. The location referred to is covered by the North East Inner City Community Policing Forum.

In addition to foot and mobile patrols from regular and Community Gardaí, the area concerned receives ongoing attention from uniform and plain clothes patrols attached to the Divisional Task Force, including the Traffic and Drugs Units, with a view to ensuring a visible Garda presence.

Ministerial Appointments.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

519 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the concerns regarding the possibility of a conflict of interest in the appointment of the chair of the Equality Authority, having regard to the fact that the person appointed, in addition to chairing another State board, is chief executive of a large organisation with considerable number of employees and an annual turnover of €170 million, and is also a director or chair of a substantial number of subsidiary companies within that organisation, both commercial and non-commercial including fundraising; if he has taken steps to ensure that no such conflict arises or is likely to arise; the procedures in place to ensure that no conflict will or can arise in their exercise of their responsibilities as holder of the office of the chair of the Equality Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31974/07]

Dr Angela Kerins who, I am glad to say, recently accepted the position of Chairperson of the Equality Authority is also Chief Executive of Rehab. The latter is an independent, not-for-profit organisation delivering training, employment, social care and commercial services in Ireland. She has served with distinction as Chair of the National Disability Authority since 2000.

As in the case of all members appointed to the board of the Equality Authority her position is governed by the Ethics in Public Office Acts 1995 and 2001 and the Authority's Code of Practice.

Animal Cruelty.

Tony Gregory

Question:

520 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will request a report from the Garda authorities on the allegations of extreme cruelty to animals (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31991/07]

I am informed that a complaint regarding the incident referred to was received by the Garda authorities and is under active investigation. As this is an ongoing Garda investigation it would be inappropriate for me to comment further at this time.

Departmental Offices.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

521 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department has carried out a study of opening hours of public offices under the control or remit of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32007/07]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

524 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the opening hours of his Department’s public offices and public phone lines and if they close for lunch; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32057/07]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

525 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the opening hours for the public offices and telephone lines and if they close for lunch for each of the agencies and State bodies that are under the control of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32072/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 521, 524 and 525 together.

I wish to inform the Deputy that all my Department's offices are open in normal working hours. The following is the specific position in respect to the opening hours of State Bodies under my Department's aegis that operate a public counter service:

Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service

Open Hours of Public Office/Public Office Agency/Public Office State Body

Public Phone Line

Public Office/Public Office Agency/Public Office State Body — Open for Lunch Yes/No

INIS Visa Public Office 8.00 a.m.–14.30 p.m. — Monday–Friday

Visa Helpline 10.00 a.m.–12.30 p.m. — Monday, Wednesday, Friday Immigration Operations Helpline 10.00–12.30 — Monday–Friday Citizenship lines Telephone lines operate from 9.15am–5.30pm daily, including lunchtime. A dedicated helpline is also in place and this operates from 10.00am–12.30p.m Tuesdays and Thursdays. General Immigration Helpline (including Family Reunification (Refugees) and Long Term Residency) 10.00 am to 12.30 pm — Monday, Wednesday and Friday

see across

Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner

Open Hours of Public Office/Public Office Agency/Public Office State Body

Public Phone Line

Public Office/Public Office Agency/Public Office State Body — Open for Lunch Yes/No

08.45 am–16.00 pm* — Monday–Friday

09.15 am–17.30 pm — Monday to Friday, inclusive of lunchtime

see across

Refugee Appeals Tribunal

Open Hours of Public Office/Public Office Agency/Public Office State Body

Public Phone Line

Public Office/Public Office Agency/Public Office State Body — Open for Lunch Yes/No

08.45am–17.30 pm — Monday–Friday

09.15 am–17.30 pm — Monday to Friday, inclusive of lunchtime

see across

National Property Services Regulatory Authority

Open Hours of National Property Services Regulatory Authority

Public Phone Line

Public Office/Public Office Agency/Public Office State Body — Open for Lunch Yes/No

9.00–13.00; 14.00–17.15 — Mon–Fri

01–4086120 1890-252712

No

Reception & Integration Agency

Open Hours of Reception & Integration Agency

Public Phone Line

Public Office/Public Office Agency/Public Office State Body — Open for Lunch Yes/No

Reception and Integration Agency Mount Street Office (9.30am–4pm)

01 4183200

Yes

Censorship of Publications/Criminal Injuries Compensational Tribunal

Body

Public Phone Line

Open Hours

Lunchtime

Censorship of Publications

01 6610553

9.15 am to 5.30pm

Yes

Criminal Injuries Compensational Tribunal

01 6610604

9.15 am to 5.30pm

Yes .

Refugee Legal Service Offices — opening times

RLS Dublin

9.15am to 5.30pm — Mon–Thu

9.15am to 5.15 — Friday

A customer care phone service is available at the following times:

9:15 am to 12:45 pm // 2 pm to 5:30 pm — Mon to Thurs

9:15 am to 12:45 pm // 2 pm to 5:15 pm on Fridays

Phones are switched to an answering machine outside these hours

RLS Galway Office

9.30am to 5.30pm — Mon–Thu

9.30am to 5.15pm — Friday

Closed Lunch 12.30–2pm

A customer care phone service is available during office opening hours

RLS Cork Office

9am to 5pm — Mon–Thu

9am to 4.45pm Friday

Closed lunch 1–2pm

A customer care phone service is available during office opening hours

Legal Aid Board Law Centres — opening times

10.00am to 12.30pm

Closed for lunch

2.00pm to 4.00pm

Phone lines — 9.15am to 12.45pm

Voicemail during lunch

2.00pm to 5.30pm (5.15pm on a Friday)

Times are the same for all Legal Aid Law Centres. Please see the following table for law centre contact details.

County

Address

Tel. No.

Cavan

The Newcourt Shopping Centre, Church Street, Cavan

(049) 4331110

Clare

Unit 6A, Merchants Square, Ennis, Co Clare

(065) 6821929

Cork

North Quay House, 2nd. Floor, Popes Quay, Cork

(021) 4551686

5th. Floor, Irish Life Building, 1A South Mall, Cork

(021) 4275998

Donegal

Unit B9, Letterkenny Town Centre Dev, Justice Walsh Rd. Letterkenny

(074) 9126177

Dublin

9 Lower Ormond Quay, Dublin 1

(01) 8724133

45 Lower Gardiner Street, Dublin 1

(01) 8745440

48/49 North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7

(01) 6469700

44/49 Main Street, Finglas, Dublin 11

(01) 8640314

Unit 6, Blanchardstown Busn Centre, Clonsilla Rd, Db 15

(01) 8200455

Tower Centre, Clondalkin Village, Dublin 22

(01) 4576011

Village Green, Tallaght, Dublin 24

(01) 4511519

Galway

9 Francis Street, Galway

(091) 561650

Kerry

1Day Place, Tralee, Co. Kerry

(066) 7126900

Kildare

Law Centre, Canning Place, Newbridge, Co Kildare

(045) 435777

Kilkenny

87 Maudlin Street, Kilkenny

(056) 7761611

Laois

Unit 6A, Bridge Street, Portlaoise, Co Laoise

(0502) 61366

Limerick

Unit F, Lock Quay, Limerick

(061) 314599

Longford

Credit Union Courtyard, 50A Main Street, Longford

(043) 47590

Louth

Condil House, Roden Place, Dundalk, Co Louth

(042) 9330448

Mayo

Humbert Hall, Main Street, Castlebar, Co Mayo

(094) 90 24334

Meath

Kennedy Road, Navan, Co. Meath

(046) 9072515

Monaghan

Alma House, The Diamond, Monaghan

(047) 84888

Offaly

Harbour Street, Tullamore

(0506) 51177

Sligo

Bridgewater House, Rockwood Parade, Thomas St, Sligo

(071) 9161670

Tipperary

Friars Court, Abbey Street, Nenagh Co Tipperary

(067) 34181

Waterford

Canada House, Canada Street, Waterford

(051) 855814

Westmeath

Paynes Lane, Irishtown, Athlone, Co Westmeath

(090) 6474694

Wexford

Unit 8, Redmond Square, Wexford

(053) 22622

Wicklow

Bridge Street, Wicklow

(0404) 66166

Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission

Public Office State Body

Public Phone Line

Public Office State Body — open for Lunch

Monday to Friday — 9.30 a.m.–4.30 p.m.

1890 600 800

Yes

Garda Síochána Complaints Board

Public Office State Body

Public Phone Line

Public Office State Body — open for Lunch

Monday to Friday 10am to 4.30pm.

001 –8728666 8001890 1890

Yes

Property Registration Authority

Open Hours of Public Office/Public Office Agency/Public Office State Body

Public Phone Line

Public Office/Public Office Agency/Public Office State Body — Open for Lunch Yes/No

Property Registration Authority Dublin offices — Land Registry 10.30am to 4.30pm — Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays

01 6707500 or LoCall 1890 333001

Yes

Property Registration Authority-Registry of Deeds 10.00 am to 4.30pm — Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays

01 6707500 or LoCall 1890 333001

Yes

Property Registration Authority — Waterford 10.30am to 4.30pm — Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays

051 303000 or LoCall 1890 333002

Yes

Property Registration Authority –Roscommon The PRA have an advance party of staff in Roscommon but have no public office.

No

Probation Service

Unit/Division

Opening times

open / lunch

Tel

Head Quarters Smithfield Chambers Smithfield Dublin 7

9.00 a.m–5.30 p.m.

yes

01 8173600

Dublin South Probation Service,390-396 Clonard Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12.

9.15 a.m–5.15 p.m

no

01 492 5625

Probation Service Foundation House Northumberland Road Dun Laoghaire Co. Dublin

9.15 a.m–5.15 p.m

no

01 2301860

Probation ServiceCarmens Hall Garden Lane Off Catherine Street Dublin 8

9.15 a.m–5.15 p.m

no

01 709 3530

Probation Service 22 St. Mark’s Lane Neilstown Road Clondalkin Dublin 22

9.15 a.m–5.15 p.m

no

01-6236235

Probation Service Le Fanu Road Ballyfermot Dublin 10

9.15 a.m–5.15 p.m

no

01-6233666

Probation Service 2nd Floor Donaghmede Shopping Centre Donaghmede Dublin 13

9.15 a.m–5.15 p.m

no

01 8166800

Probation Service Poppintree Mall Finglas Village Finglas Dublin 11

9.00 a.m–5.30 p.m.

no

01 8644011

Probation Service Unit 3 Parnell Business Centre 124 Parnell Street Dublin 1

9.15 a.m–5.15 p.m.

no

01 8146759

Probation Service The Cualann Centre Main Street Bray Co. Wicklow

9.15 a.m–5.15 p.m.

no

01 2042662

Probation Service Westpark Tallaght Dublin 24

9.15 a.m–5.15 p.m.

no

01 46230330

Probation Service 23 Laurence Street Drogheda Co. Louth

9.00 a.m–5.00 p.m.

no

041 9801580

Probation Service Government Offices Millennium Building Alphonsus Road Dundalk Co. Louth

9.00 a.m–5.00 p.m.

no

042 9331633

Mountjoy Male Mountjoy Prison North Circular Road Dublin 7

9.15 a.m.–5.30 p.m. — Mon–Thurs 5.15 p.m. — Friday

no

01-8062834

Mountjoy Female Dochas Centre North Circular Road Dublin 7

9.15 a.m.–5.30 p.m. Mon–Thurs 5.15 p.m. — Friday

no

01-8062834

Probation Service Government Buildings Anne Street Wexford

9.15 a.m.–5.30 p.m. — Mon–Thurs 5.15 p.m. Friday

no

053 9142076

Probation Service 3 Catherine Street Waterford

9.15 a.m.–5.30 p.m. — Mon–Thurs 5.15 p.m. — Friday

no

051 872548

Probation Service 82 Leinster Street Athy Co Kildare

open by appointment only

057 8633387

Probation Service Government Buildings Hebron Road Kilkenny

9.15 a.m.–5.30 p.m. — Mon–Thurs 5.15 p.m. — Friday

no

056 7765201

Probation Service Quinn House Mill Lane Carlow

9.15 a.m.–5.30 p.m. — Mon–Thurs 5.15 p.m. — Friday

no

059 9135186

Probation Service Government Buildings Abbeyleix Road Portlaoise Co. Laois

9.15 a.m.–5.30 p.m. — Mon–Thurs 5.15 p.m. — Friday

no

057 8622644

Probation Service Harbour House The Quay Clonmel Co. Tipperary

9.15 a.m.–5.30 p.m. — Mon–Thurs 5.15 p.m. — Friday

no

052 23380

Sub office of the Clonmel office Teach an Chuinne Parnell Street Thurles Co Tipperary

open by appointment only

0504 24772

Probation Service Nenagh Community Reparation Programme, Silver Street, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary

9.15 a.m.–5.30 p.m. — Mon–Thurs 5.15 p.m. — Friday

no

067 41565

Probation Service The Crescent Ballymahon Road Athlone Co. Westmeath

9.15 a.m.–5.30 p.m. — Mon–Thurs 5.15 p.m. — Friday

no

090 6483500

Probation Service Friary House, Friars Mill Road, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath

9.15 a.m.–5.30 p.m. — Mon–Thurs 5.15 p.m. — Friday

no

044 9335666

Probation Service Government Buildings, Shannon Lodge, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim

9.15 a.m.–5.30 p.m. — Mon–Thurs 5.15 p.m. — Friday

no

086 8281295 Carmel Donnelly’s mobile

Probation Service 48-50 Lower Main Street Letterkenny Co. Donegal

9.15 a.m.–5.30 p.m. — Mon–Thurs 5.15 p.m. — Friday

no

074 9125264

Probation Service Abbey Arch 8 Upper Abbey Street Galway

9.15 a.m.–5.30 p.m. — Mon–Thurs 5.15 p.m. — Friday

no

091 565375

Probation Service Unit 10F N5 Business and Retail Park Moneen Castlebar Co. Mayo

9.15 a.m.–5.30 p.m. — Mon–Thurs 5.15 p.m. — Friday

no

094 9044211

Probation Service Government Buildings Cranmore Road Sligo

9.15 a.m.–5.30 p.m. — Mon–Thurs 5.15 p.m. — Friday

no

071 9145203

Probation Service 1st Floor, 3 Castle Street, Sligo

9.15 a.m.–5.30 p.m. — Mon–Thurs 5.15 p.m. — Friday

no

071 9141616

Probation Service St Nicholas’ Church Cove Street Cork

9.15 a.m.–5.30 p.m. — Mon–Thurs 5.15 p.m. — Friday

no

021 4836700

Probation Service Theatre Court Lower Mallow Street Limerick

9.15 a.m.–5.30 p.m. — Mon–Thurs 5.15 p.m. — Friday

no

061 206320

Probation Service 7 Ashe Street Tralee Co. Kerry

9.15 a.m.–5.30 p.m. — Mon–Thurs 5.15 p.m. — Friday

no

667 122666

Probation Service Church Street Newcastle West Co. Limerick

open by appointment only

no

069 66289

Probation Service 1 Abbey Arcade, Abbey Street, Ennis, Co. Clare

open by appointment only

no

069 66289

Probation Service Gratten House, Gratten Street, Cork

9.15 a.m.–5.30 p.m. — Mon–Thurs 5.15 p.m. — Friday

no

021 42772396

Imprisonment Costs.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

522 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will introduce a scheme to require prisoners to contribute to the cost of their imprisonment if they can afford to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32027/07]

There are no plans to implement any mechanism whereby prisoners would be expected to contribute to the overall cost of their imprisonment.

Access to certain services in prison are currently provided without charge and it is not intended to begin charging for these services. For example no charge is currently made for the making of a certain amount of phone calls. Prisoners are currently entitled to a daily phone call including calls to their legal advisor, and this will continue to be the position.

However, section 37 of the Prisons Act, 2007 provides a statutory basis for a number of provisions in the Prison Rules, 2007 which allow a Prison Governor to charge for access to certain services over and above the standard provision to all prisoners, such as use of the videolink, telephone calls and access to materials relating to current affairs (e.g. newspapers, magazines etc.) not related to their imprisonment. The Act also allows for the provision of charges to be made to prisoners for goods or services that are not generally available or on an unlimited basis. This includes access to electronic devices, private medical treatment or escorts provided outside the prison for matters not related to their imprisonment.

Prisoners are provided with access to healthcare services on an equivalent basis to citizens in the general community who are covered by the GMS (Medical Card) service. Section 37 of the Prisons Act, 2007 allows for the Prison Rules to provide, where it is deemed necessary (on the basis of non-convicted status) to facilitate a prisoner with access to elective health care outside the public system, that the prisoner will be responsible for the costs associated with facilitating such provision. Provision of necessary healthcare to all prisoners on an equivalent basis to that provided under the public health system will continue to be funded by the State.

In addition to the escorts costs that would arise in the facilitation of access to elective healthcare outside the public system, prisoners are charged for escorts outside of their place of detention in relation to civil proceedings against third parties. It is not proposed to charge for escorts where the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform or an individual governor is listed as a defendant or co-defendant in such proceedings. It is also not proposed to charge prisoners for appointments relating to any matters before the Residential Institutions Redress Board.

Departmental Correspondence.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

523 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the official forms issued by his Department for use by the public and business which can be completed on-line; the forms which can not; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32042/07]

The following application forms are issued for use by my Department.

Visa Application Form

Re Entry Visa Application Form

Forms 8/9/10 Applications Forms for Certificate of Naturalisation

Allocation of Funding for Services to Victims of Crime Application 2008*

Application Form for a Certificate of Personal Fitness

Application to Register as a Firearms Dealer*

Community Based CCTV Scheme

Application for Compensation under the Garda Síochána (Compensation) Acts

Claim for Fees by Solicitors

Application to Import Commercial Explosives

Application Form to the Local Authority for a Licence for a Store for Mixed Explosives

Application form for a licence to import Fireworks

Application to import deemed explosives other than Fireworks

Claim for Allowances by a Witness who attended Court on behalf of the defence

Details of Detention, Consultations & Extension Hearings

Application for payment of fees for legal advice provided to a person detained in a Garda Station

Application to the Local Authority to Register Premises for Keeping Gunpowder or Mixed Explosives

Firearms Import/Export Application Form for Firearms Dealers*

Firearms Import/Export Application Form for Individuals*

Application for the Transit of Firearms through the State

Application for Free Legal Advice in a Garda Station

Claim for Fee for Medical or Technical Report

Ad-hoc Legal Aid Scheme Claim Form (Attorney General & CAB)

Claim for Fees & Expenses by a Witness holding a professional qualification

Criminal Legal Aid Form (Solicitors Expenses)

Freedom of Information Application Form*

Accessible Transport Project Funding Scheme

Traveller Community Interagency Projects Fund

Independent Living Support Programme

Enhancing Disability Services Project Funding

Application Form to Open a Petition

The majority of forms which are issued by my Department require that supporting documentation/ correspondence be submitted in conjunction with the application form. Forms which can be returned to my Department electronically have been highlighted with an asterisk above.

Questions Nos. 524 and 525 answered with Question No. 521.

Asylum Applications.

Noel O'Flynn

Question:

526 Deputy Noel O’Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an appeal lodged in 2005 for leave to remain in the State by a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if he will expedite a response; and the reason for the time frame involved. [32129/07]

The person concerned arrived in the State on 22 September, 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, he was informed by letter dated 19 September, 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 is made or consenting to the making of a deportation order. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned.

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

Northern Ireland Issues.

Joe McHugh

Question:

527 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the follow up security measures that have been initiated following the two PSNI shootings in November 2007 and a murder (details supplied) in County Monaghan, to counter further incidents of the same nature; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32144/07]

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

560 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has plans to temporarily assign members of the Garda Síochána to the PSNI to allow them to assist in the investigation in the North of the 20 October 2007 murder near Oram in County Monaghan; his view on the huge interest and concern in the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32533/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 527 and 560 together.

For obvious reasons I cannot comment on specific security measures. Close co-operation is maintained with the Police Service of Northern Ireland in respect of combating the threat from all paramilitary groups. Appropriate assistance is being provided in relation to the recent shootings of two PSNI officers currently under investigation in Northern Ireland.

In relation to the murder in County Monaghan referred to in both Questions, I share the abhorrence with which all right-minded people will regard this vicious crime. The very intensive investigation into this incident is active and ongoing and the Garda Síochána is receiving full co-operation and assistance from the authorities in Northern Ireland in this regard. A Family Liaison Officer has been appointed to liaise with the family of the victim, to ensure that they are kept fully informed of developments.

Enquiries are being conducted at local level on both sides of the border and information is being exchanged on a Police-to-Police basis through established procedures. Garda management is satisfied that sufficient resources are allocated to the investigation. The Gardaí, in co-operation with the PSNI, will continue to pursue the perpetrators of this crime with the utmost vigour.

Immigration Issues.

Joe McHugh

Question:

528 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the mechanisms that have been put in place to record the arrival of new immigrants; the programmes in place to facilitate integration and foster tolerance and diversity between indigenous population and newly arrived immigrants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32145/07]

There is no routine recording of foreign nationals on their entering or exiting the State. There is, however, the facility for an immigration officer to record the arrival of a person and the question of whether or not to record an arrival is decided on a case by case basis. All non-EEA nationals over 16 years of age, if they are staying in the State in excess of 3 months, must register their presence with the Garda National Immigration Bureau.

With regard to integration, the Deputy will be aware that Mr. Conor Lenihan, T.D, was appointed Minister of State at the Departments of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Education and Science and Justice, Equality and Law Reform (with special responsibility for Integration Policy). Minister Lenihan has established the Office of the Minister for Integration and has a cross Departmental mandate to develop, drive and co-ordinate integration policy across other Government Departments, agencies and services. In this context, the Minister will have a close relationship with Ministers and policy makers in other Departments.

The Minister will be involved in the development of a long-term national policy on integration which will be informed by widespread consultation at a national level, properly structured objective research and international experience and best practice. The Minister intends to establish a Task Force on Integration in early 2008 to identify key issues affecting immigrant communities; consult widely with immigrants and Irish people; visit communities; examine previous research and report back with recommendations.

The Office of the Minister for Integration will also be involved in setting up new funding lines, that will build on existing initiatives, to address integration priorities; developing "principles" of integration; bringing all stakeholders together to co-ordinate integration activities and helping all parties (Government Departments, service providers, local communities/local authorities/trade unions/religious groups etc.) to play their part in building an integrated Irish society.

Visa Applications.

Brian Hayes

Question:

529 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current and expected status of the application for a C type visa for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32146/07]

The visa application referred to by the Deputy was received in the Visa Office, Dublin on 29 November 2007. I would expect a decision on the application in this case within the next three weeks.

Garda Deployment.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

530 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí currently in County Wexford. [32161/07]

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

531 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí in County Wexford five years ago. [32162/07]

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

532 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí in County Wexford ten years ago. [32163/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 530 to 532, inclusive, together.

The personnel strength of all Garda Stations in Co. Wexford on 31 October, 2007 (the latest date for which figures are readily available) and on 31 December, 2002 and 1997 was as set out in the following table:

Area

31/10/2007

31/12/2002

31/12/1997

Co. Wexford

265

214

193

Co. Wexford is part of the Wexford/Wicklow Garda Division. The Deputy should be aware that Garda Divisional/District boundaries do not necessarily correspond to county boundaries. The Divisional headquarters for this Division is located in Wexford and any units covering the entire Division are normally based at the Divisional headquarters.

It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking everything into account. The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available the needs of Wexford/Wicklow Garda Division will be fully considered by him within the overall context of the needs of Garda Districts/Divisions throughout the country.

Residency Permits.

Tom Hayes

Question:

533 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an application for a residence card submitted by a person (details supplied) will be expedited. [32201/07]

I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that a decision on the application for residence in the State by the person in question issued by registered post on 29th November 2007.

Prisoner Releases.

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

534 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prisoners released by Ministerial order in each of the past five years; the nature of the offences for which they were originally sentenced; the percentage of their sentence that had been served; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32221/07]

I presume that the Deputy is referring to instances of temporary release pursuant to section 2 of the Criminal Justice Act 1960 as amended by the Criminal Justice (Temporary Release of Prisoners) Act 2003. Periods of temporary release may be granted during a prisoner's sentence for health or other humanitarian grounds (e.g. a funeral), to assist the Gardaí, to assess a person's ability to reintegrate into society or to prepare a prisoner for release. The overriding issue in considering any application for temporary release of a prisoner is the safety of the public. In addition, all releases are subject to conditions. Any offender who breaches his or her conditions may be arrested and returned to prison immediately by the Gardaí.

A prisoner may receive multiple instances of temporary release while serving his or her sentence and most prisoners will receive a short period of temporary release at the end of their sentence to facilitate their reintegration into society. The compilation of statistics in the form requested by the Deputy would require a disproportionate and inordinate amount of staff time and expense to prepare and could not be justified in the current circumstances where there are other significant demands on resources.

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

535 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prisoners who availed of automatic remission in each of the past five years; the percentage of their original sentence that was served by the time they were released; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32222/07]

The granting of sentence remission is a feature of many prison systems worldwide and has been a feature of the Irish criminal justice system since the foundation of the State. Prisoners sentenced to imprisonment (other than the categories listed below) are entitled by law to remission of one quarter of sentence provided they are of good behaviour during their time in custody.

There are a number of categories of prisoner who are excluded from standard remission of sentence under the Prison Rules and these are as follows:

Life sentence prisoners

Persons convicted of debtor offences

Persons convicted of contempt of court

Persons being held on remand warrants

Persons serving a sentence of less than one month

Garda Stations.

Noel Coonan

Question:

536 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a station (details supplied) in County Tipperary has a full time Garda presence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32224/07]

Noel Coonan

Question:

537 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda stations in County Tipperary; if there is a full time Garda presence in each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32225/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 536 and 537 together.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that there are 46 Garda Stations in the Tipperary Division. Not all of these stations are open on a full-time basis. The Divisional Headquarters, all District Headquarters and Roscrea Garda Station are open on a 24 hour basis. I am further informed by the Garda authorities that the specific station to which the Deputy refers is open on a part-time basis and is staffed during those hours by one Garda.

Garda Deployment.

Tony Gregory

Question:

538 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of additional gardaí recently allocated to the Finglas area of Dublin; the strength of the new drug unit recently sanctioned for the Finglas-Cabra area; and if additional community gardaí are being appointed to the Cabra District, Dublin 7. [32237/07]

The total personnel strength of Finglas Garda Station as at 31 October 2007, the latest date for which figures are readily available was 88. In the most recent allocation of Probationer Gardaí, which took place on the 23 November 2007, 10 Probationer Gardaí were allocated to Finglas Garda Station.

The strength of the new Drug Unit which was recently sanctioned for the Finglas/Cabra area is one (1) Sergeant and five (5) Gardaí. Two (2) additional positions for Community Policing Gardaí have been sanctioned, and will be filled on completion of Operation Freeflow in January 2008.

Finglas and Cabra Garda Stations are part of the Blanchardstown District. The total personnel strength of the Blanchardstown District as of 31 October 2007 was 331.

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

It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking everything into account. The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available the needs of these areas will be fully considered by him within the overall context of the needs of Garda Divisions / Districts throughout the country.

Citizenship Applications.

John Curran

Question:

539 Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on an application for citizenship by a person (details supplied) in County Dublin. [32294/07]

An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department in June 2004. Officials in that Section inform me that processing of the application has commenced and the file will be forwarded to me for a decision in the coming months. I will inform the Deputy and the person in question when I have reached a decision on the application.

Residency Permits.

John Curran

Question:

540 Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made regarding an application for long term residency by a person (details supplied) in County Dublin. [32295/07]

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

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

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

An application for long term residency from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in March 2007. I understand that applications received in July 2006 are currently being dealt with. As soon as a decision is made on the case, the person concerned will be notified.

Asylum Applications.

John Curran

Question:

541 Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision regarding an asylum application by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24 will be made. [32296/07]

It is not the practice to comment in detail on individual asylum applications. As the Deputy will be aware, applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal which make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted. A final decision on this application will be made upon receipt of the decision of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Citizenship Applications.

John Curran

Question:

542 Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made regarding an application for a certificate of naturalisation by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22. [32297/07]

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that I have approved the application for a certificate of naturalisation for the person referred to in the Question. The certificate has recently issued from the Citizenship Section of my Department.

Garda Deployment.

Michael Kennedy

Question:

543 Deputy Michael Kennedy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Gardaí participating in bicycle patrols in the Dublin north area; the breakdown of stations which operate these units; the duties these officers perform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32310/07]

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that there are currently 36 members of Garda rank trained for mountain-bike duties in the DMR Northern Division. There are 21 mountain bikes currently on issue and they are assigned to the following stations in the D.M.R. Northern Division: Santry, Whitehall, Ballymun, Raheny, Clontarf, Howth, Coolock, Swords, Malahide, Balbriggan and Skerries.

The Garda Commissioner has also informed me that local Garda Management has discretion to allocate members to patrols as local policing needs arise. Gardaí employed on bicycle patrol are engaged in routine patrols in residential and business areas in the Division to prevent and detect crime, anti-social behaviour and to address public order and traffic problems. Community Gardaí also use mountain bikes to patrol on their community beat. Members on mountain bike patrols perform duties as directed by their supervisors which include active patrolling of public-order hot-spots, the detection of crime and other offences, including the prevention of anti-social activity. Members on these duties may also be employed on duties at venues or sporting events which are likely to attract large numbers of members of the public.

Visa Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

544 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review a new application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32322/07]

I refer the Deputy to my answer to Parliamentary Question 187 of the 8 November 2007, in which I stated the reasons why visas had not been approved in this case. It was also pointed out that should a fresh application be made, the reasons for refusal of the previous application would need to be addressed.

A subsequent application was made to the Visa Office in Cairo but it was refused on 26 November, 2007 as there were still concerns around the bona fides of the marriage — the applicant and his spouse were married after one face to face meeting. In addition, the Visa Officer had concerns around the applicant's spouse's capacity to support him financially in Ireland. It is open to the applicant to appeal the decision of the Visa Officer. Any appeal should be submitted to the Visa Appeals officer in Cairo within two months of the original decision.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

545 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected position in respect of residency status, permanent or temporary, in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32323/07]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No: 1028 of Wednesday, 26 September, 2007 and the written reply to that question. The position remains unchanged.

Citizenship Applications.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

546 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Offaly as outlined in correspondence of 15 November 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32326/07]

An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the first-named person was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department in November 2005. On examination of the application it was determined that the person concerned did not satisfy the residency requirements as set out in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended.

A letter informing the applicant of this was issued on 14 December 2005. It is open to the individual in question to lodge a new application if and when she is in a position to meet the statutory residency requirements applicable at that time. Officials in the Citizenship Section inform me that there is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the second-named person referred to in the Deputy's Question.

Departmental Records.

Damien English

Question:

547 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the way his Department disposes of redundant information technology equipment; if he has satisfied himself that all stored information has been removed prior to disposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32353/07]

My Department contracts a reputable firm for the disposal of old IT equipment. This firm collects the equipment, removes the data from the hard drives and then physically destroys the equipment. The firm supplies my Department with confirmation of the asset destroyed, serial tags for the PCs and WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) certificates of destruction.

Departmental Staff.

Damien English

Question:

548 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of press officers that are employed in his Department, employed in each agency reporting to his Department, were employed in his Department in 2002 and were employed in each agency reporting to his Department in 2002; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [32368/07]

Information on the number of Press Officers employed by my Department and bodies under its aegis, now and in 2002, is provided below in tabular form.

Department/Agency

2007

2002

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

1

1

Irish Prison Service

1

1

An Garda Síochána

1

1

Courts Service

1

1

Departmental Websites.

Damien English

Question:

549 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if podcasts are available for download by members of the public on websites maintained by his Department and its agencies; if not, his plans to introduce podcasts as a communications tool; if so, the number of times a podcast has been downloaded to date in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32383/07]

No podcasts are available for download from either the Department's website or from websites maintained by the Department. My Department does not have any plans at present to introduce podcasts to its website.

Departmental Properties.

Damien English

Question:

550 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the works or measures that have taken place in 2007 to make his Departmental buildings more environmentally friendly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32398/07]

I can inform the Deputy that a range of common-sense energy efficiency measures are applied in my Department. The Department's policy is to use energy saving devices such as energy efficient lights and powersave functions on equipment wherever possible. Staff are also encouraged to switch off all electrical office equipment at close of business. Thermostatic valves have also been installed, where possible, on radiators, and the Department follows its engineering advice in respect of heating and electrical installation generally, as well as advice from the OPW in this field.

I can also inform the Deputy that my Department promotes conservation measures within the Department on an ongoing basis and that a number of initiatives are in place to this end. These include:

A contract is in place for the collection and recycling of all used paper and cardboard packaging, and recycled paper products are used where possible.

The services of a disposal company for the environmentally safe destruction of I.T. equipment are utilised and I.T. and office machinery consumables such as ink toner cartridges for printers and photocopiers are also recycled.

Asylum Applications.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

551 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of an application by a person for asylum by a person (details supplied) which dates back into the late 1990’s; the reason for the delay which is being experienced in this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32417/07]

The person concerned and her daughter arrived in the State on 17 May 1998 and claimed asylum. Their application was refused following consideration of their case by the Asylum Division and, on appeal, by the Asylum Appeals Unit.

The person concerned was informed by letter dated 15 August 2000 that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her and afforded her three options in accordance with Section 3 (3) (b) (ii) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) namely to leave the State voluntarily, to consent to the making of a Deportation Order or to submit, within 15 working days, written representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State i.e. why she should not be deported.

Her case was examined under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the Prohibition of Refoulement. Consideration was given to all representations submitted on her behalf for permission to remain temporarily in the State. On 24 May 2001 the then Minister refused permission to remain temporarily in the State and instead signed Deportation Orders in respect of the person concerned and her daughter. A notice of these Orders dated 8 June 2001 was served by registered post requiring the person concerned to present herself and her daughter at Mill Street Garda Station, Mill Street, Galway on Friday 15 June 2001, in order to make travel arrangements for their deportation from the State. She failed to present herself and her daughter as required and they were classified as evading their deportation.

Subsequently the person concerned took Judicial Review proceedings challenging the decision of the then Minister to deport her. The basis for the review was that the details of the daughter of the person concerned were not included in the notice of intention to deport letter dated 15 August 2000. The case was settled on 23 October 2001 and the terms of the settlement were complied with. The outcome of the settlement was that the deportation orders made in respect of the person concerned and her daughter were revoked by the then Minister and Revocation Orders were signed by him on 26 February 2002. In addition the Minister exercised his option to serve a new notice of intention to deport letter dated 28 February 2002 on the person concerned and her daughter. Said notice was served by registered post.

A supplementary application for temporary leave to remain in the State was made by the Refugee Legal Service on 25 February 2004 on behalf of the person concerned. Subsequent to this application, consideration was again given to the person concerned under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, for permission to remain temporarily in the State.

On 26 August 2004, my immediate predecessor refused permission to remain and instead signed Deportation Orders in respect of the person concerned and her daughter. Notice of these Orders was served by registered post requiring her to present herself and her daughter to the Garda National Immigration Bureau, on Thursday 23 September, 2004, in order to make travel arrangements for their deportation from the State. She failed to present herself and her daughter as required and they were classified as evading their deportation. I would urge the person concerned to come forward and begin presenting herself, and her daughter, at the offices of the Garda National Immigration Bureau without further delay. The effect of the Deportation Orders is that the person concerned and her daughter must leave the State and remain thereafter out of the State.

I am satisfied that the applications made on behalf of the person concerned and her daughter for asylum and for temporary leave to remain in the State, together with all refoulement issues, were fairly and comprehensively examined and, as such, the decision to deport them is justified. The enforcement of the Deportation Orders remains an operational matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau.

Child Protection.

Alan Shatter

Question:

552 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action taken to date to implement the recommendations contained in the report of the Joint Committee on Child Protection published in November 2006; and the action he proposes to take during the next 12 months. [32427/07]

The recommendations contained in the Report of the Joint Committee on Child Protection cover a number of issues which are the responsibility of several Departments and Agencies. The Office of the Minister for Children (OMC) has overall responsibility to ensure that the recommendations are addressed. A number of the recommendations contained in the Report fall within the remit of my Department, either completely or in part, and I have put in place a structure to ensure that those recommendations are addressed in a coordinated manner.

As the Deputy is aware, in 2006 the Government published a Criminal Law (Trafficking in Persons and Sexual Offences) Bill. The trafficking provisions contained in that Bill have been extracted and are now provided for in the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Bill currently before this House. I proceeded in this way in order to expedite the enactment of the trafficking provisions. The trafficking provisions are in conformity with the Committee's recommendations.

The provisions relating to the protection of children will be expanded to take account of the Committee's recommendations and other developments since the Bill was originally published. It is intended to include these in a new Sexual Offences Bill which is currently being prepared in my Department. Legislation arising from the recommendations for an amendment to the Constitution to permit the Oireachtas to enact laws providing for absolute or strict criminal liability in respect of offences against or in connection with children will be considered in the light of the outcome to any referendum. Other recommendations requiring possible legislative changes are being studied by my officials.

Work on the upgrade of the video link system in five courtrooms in the Four Courts complex has been completed. It is now policy to install video conferencing/video link facilities in all larger new or refurbished courthouses. Work is also progressing on the installation of video viewing equipment in nominated courtrooms.

The Courts Service is also working on a number of initiatives which will assist in the taking of evidence and the efficient running of court proceedings, including those involving children. Digital audio recording (DAR) will be implemented nationwide.

Childcare cases are taking an increased amount of time in District Courts throughout the country and in Dublin in particular. Their number and complexity is continuing to increase. In order to address this, the Courts Service has been working with my Department, the Office of the Minister for Children and the Department of Finance to provide a number of additional Judges to deal specifically with childcare cases. These judges would be able to devote the time to working with all the parties involved, including childcare professionals and families to achieve solutions in the best interests of the children involved.

Records relating to persons subject to the provisions of the Sex Offenders Act, 2001 are recorded on a database kept by the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation. This system has previously been upgraded. The Garda authorities are currently carrying out work to integrate the system for recording persons subject to the requirements of the Act into the PULSE system. This work is scheduled for completion in 2008.

The Criminal Evidence Act, 1992 provides for the recording of a statement made by a person under 14 years of age (in respect of whom a sexual offence and/or an offence involving violence is alleged to have been committed) during an interview with a member of the Garda Síochána or any other person who is competent for the purpose. It provides that such a recording shall be admissible at a trial as evidence.

Work on setting up these facilities in conjunction with An Garda Síochána, the Health Service Executive and the Office of Public Works with a view to having the provision commenced is at an advanced stage. A number of Gardaí and HSE social workers have undergone training in the specialist interviewing skills necessary for interviewing such victims.

The Children Act 2001 came fully into operation on 1 March, 2007. The Courts are now in a position to consider disposal of cases by a range of community sanctions. Recommendations to the Court by Probation Service Officers, trained in assessing risk posed by young offenders, including those convicted of sexual offences, include age appropriate options. The introduction of the Harris risk assessment instrument to complement ongoing risk assessment and risk management has been pledged by the Probation Service.

The Service keeps the interest of victims to the fore in all its work with offenders. Assessment of risk of re-offending, ongoing risk assessment in the community together with preparation of Victim Impact Reports are all carried out by officers trained in ensuring sensitivity to the victim.

The Probation Service has recently restructured its service delivery to prisons and formed one region "Prisoners, Risk and Resettlement" [comprising 48 staff]. The staff of this region provide dedicated services to twelve prisons as well as a dedicated High Risk Offender Team. This team will be developing a "best practice" model for the Service's interventions with sex offenders.

In keeping with international best practice in this area, the programme is a structured, offence focused programme, employing a cognitive behavioural approach with a relapse prevention component. The Irish Prison Service and the Probation Service continually review their processes to determine what measures may be taken to increase the number of offenders participating on the programme. My Department and the relevant agencies are continuing our examination of how the treatment and supervision of sex offenders can be enhanced and in that context the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Child Protection are under consideration.

Protocols are in place within the Probation Service to ensure effective data and risk management to fulfil its statutory responsibilities under the Sex Offenders Act 2001. These include obligations on Probation teams to notify the HSE of sex offenders who are due to be released from custody.

I should also advise the Deputy, that the Probation Service are working with the Probation Board for Northern Ireland to develop an assessment instrument specifically applicable to sex offending. The introduction of an All Ireland Risk Assessment Psychometric Instrument will facilitate an enhanced quality of assessment and associated post release intervention. This instrument will also form the basis for community based risk management.

In addition, community based intervention programmes are currently operated by the Probation Service in conjunction with the Granada Institute under the Lighthouse project. These group based programmes operate in Dublin and target those who have been convicted of sexual offences against children.

The Commission for the Support of the Victims of Crime was established with a remit to devise an appropriate support framework for victims of crime into the future and to disburse funding for victim support measures. In the context of devising that framework, I have been informed by the Commission that they would welcome any further study of victim responses to the criminal justice system and of the means that might be available to alleviate any unnecessary hardship caused to victims by the operation of the criminal justice trial process, as recommended by the Committee.

In general. implementation of the Report's recommendations, relevant to my Department and associated agencies, is the subject of ongoing consideration by my officials.

Ground Rents Legislation.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

553 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he proposes to introduce legislation to reform the law in respect of ground rents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32445/07]

I assume the Deputy is referring to the issue of residential ground rents. The law already provides a statutory scheme for the acquisition of the fee simple in dwellinghouses which is set out in the Landlord and Tenant (Ground Rents) (No. 2) Act 1978. Part III of that Act provides a special procedure, operated by the Property Registration Authority, whereby a person may acquire the fee simple in their dwellinghouse.

A legal challenge to the constitutionality of certain provisions of existing ground rents legislation was heard in the High Court during 2005. While the Court's judgment upholding the constitutionality of the legislation was delivered in early 2006, it has since been appealed to the Supreme Court. Operation of the law in relation to ground rents continues to be reviewed in my Department. However there are no proposals for changes pending the outcome of the appeal that I have mentioned.

Deportation Orders.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

554 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of a person (details supplied) who has been resident here for 17 years; the reason only temporary permission to remain was granted in September 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32451/07]

The person concerned was granted permission to remain in the State on 10 April, 1990 until 10 October, 1990. She continued to reside in the State without permission for a period of some seventeen years. On 31 July, 2007, she was notified in writing that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of her because she was unlawfully present in the State. 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 were received on her behalf.

Following consideration of her case under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996, as amended the person concerned was, as an exceptional measure granted temporary permission to remain in the State for a period of three years until 11 September, 2010. Permission to remain in the State under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended is temporary and the duration of that leave is entirely at the discretion of the Minister.

Liquor Licensing Laws.

Richard Bruton

Question:

555 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the growth of dial a can services whereby drink will be delivered to children under the legal age, for example if their parents are out; and if there are measures that could be taken to stop this activity. [32456/07]

Under section 17(3) of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003, it is an offence for a licensee, with intent to evade the conditions of the licence, to take intoxicating liquor from the licensed premises for the purpose of its being sold on the account, or for the benefit or profit, of the licensee, or to permit any other person to do so. The penalty on conviction is a fine of up to €1,500 for a first offence and up to €2,000 for a second or subsequent offence. Concerns in relation to specific premises should be brought to the attention of the Gardaí. Moreover, section 31 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1988 (as amended by the Intoxicating Liquor Acts of 2000 and 2003) provides for offences relating to the sale and delivery of intoxicating liquor to persons under the age of 18 years.

It is an offence under section 31(2) for a licensee to sell or deliver, or permit any other person to sell or deliver, intoxicating liquor to any person for consumption off his or her licensed premises by a person under the age of 18 years in any place except with the explicit consent of the person's parent or guardian in a private residence in which he or she is present either as of right or with permission.

The penalty on conviction for this offence is a fine of up to €1,270 for a first offence and up to €1,904 for a second or subsequent offence. In addition, the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2000 provides for the mandatory temporary closure of licensed premises in cases where a licensee is convicted of an offence under section 31 of the 1988 Act (up to 7 days for a first offence, or at least 7 and not more than 30 days for a second or subsequent offence).

Citizenship Applications.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

556 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to the naturalisation application of a person (details supplied) in Cork south west; and if their application will now be completed. [32470/07]

An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's question was received in the Citizenship section of my Department in May 2005. Officials in that section are currently processing applications received in the beginning of 2005 and have approximately 1,700 applications on hand to be dealt with before that of the person concerned. These are generally dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. It is likely, therefore, that further processing of the application will commence at the beginning of 2008. I will inform the Deputy and the person in question when I have reached a decision on the matter.

Garda Deployment.

Niall Collins

Question:

557 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to provide resources (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32503/07]

I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that as of 30 September 2007, the latest date for which figures are readily available, the number of community Gardaí attached to the Limerick Division was 57. All Gardaí have a responsibility, inter alia, to be involved in Community Policing issues as they arise.

The Deputy will appreciate that, as with any large organisation, on any given day, the overall strength of the organisation may fluctuate due, for example, to retirements, resignations etc. Furthermore, it is the responsibility of each Garda Divisional Officer to allocate personnel within his or her Division taking everything into account. The situation will be kept under review by the Garda Commissioner and when additional personnel next become available the needs of the Garda Division referred to by the Deputy will be fully considered by him within the overall context of the needs of Garda Districts/Divisions throughout the country.

Garda Investigations.

Joe Costello

Question:

558 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of cars damaged and reported to An Garda Síochána on 9 November 2007 at a location (details supplied); the number of gardaí assigned to the area; if anyone has been apprehended for this incident; the outcome of the Garda investigation into a similar incident in the same area on 19 November 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32504/07]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that on 9 November, 2007 nine incidents of criminal damage to cars in the area referred to by the Deputy were reported. Two juveniles have been arrested in relation to the incident and an investigation file is being prepared for the direction of the Law Officers. I am also informed that following a Garda investigation into a similar incident on 19 November, 2006 four persons were arrested and subsequently convicted.

I am further informed that the personnel strength of the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) North Central Division on 30 November, 2007 was 707. The personnel strength of the Bridewell Garda Station on 30 November, 2007 was 185. Two Community Gardaí are specifically assigned to the area referred to. This service is augmented by regular uniform and plain-clothes patrols, including the Detective Unit, the Divisional Task Force and the Divisional Drugs Unit. Special operations are put in place when deemed necessary by Garda management.

It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel taking all aspects of policing into account. Garda personnel assigned throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public. The situation will be kept under review by the Commissioner and when additional personnel next becomes available the needs of the Bridewell Garda Station will be fully considered by him within the overall context of the needs of Garda Districts/Divisions throughout the country.

Road Traffic Offences.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

559 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prosecutions and the number of penalties under the fixed charge system issued by An Garda Síochána to date in 2007 for breaches of the three tonne limit on Kennelsfort Road, Palmerstown, Dublin 20; the way these figures compare with previous years; if, in view of the persistent breaches at this location, sufficient vigilance is being exercised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32524/07]

Under the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 it is an offence to drive past a sign where the unladen weight of the vehicle exceeds that specified on the traffic sign. This offence became a fixed charge offence on 3 April, 2006.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the three tonne limit on Kennelsfort Road is being enforced by local District Garda personnel supported by Divisional and Regional Traffic Corps personnel and that An Garda Síochána is satisfied that appropriate enforcement is taking place.

The table below provides a breakdown of Fixed Charge Notices issued for this offence in respect of Kennelsfort Road, Palmerstown, Dublin 20.

3 April–31 December, 2006

1 January–3 December, 2007

Fixed Charge Notices Issued

160

124

Question No. 560 answered with QuestionNo. 527.

Human Trafficking.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

561 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will establish the proposed anti human trafficking unit; the terms of reference of same and who its members will be; the way they will be selected; the person who will head the unit; the selection criteria that will apply; the way the unit will liaise with non Governmental organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32570/07]

The Anti-Human Trafficking Unit will be based in — and staffed by civil servants of — my Department. As I have indicated publicly, I intend to appoint a senior official of my Department to the newly created post of Executive Director of the Unit and a selection process, subject to standard selection criteria, is under way in my Department at present in relation to the filling of the post.

The creation of the Unit is intended to facilitate a coordinated and effective approach in tackling the problem of human trafficking. The Executive Director will be a key member of the High Level Group being established to develop effective mechanisms and strategies to deal with the issue of human trafficking and to prevent such activity taking place in this jurisdiction. The Executive Director, and the Unit, will also have a key role to play in finalising the National Action Plan to Prevent and Combat Human Trafficking which is being prepared at present. The Unit will, of course, work closely with both governmental and non-governmental organisations.

Visa Applications.

David Stanton

Question:

562 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will allow persons (details supplied) to enter the country to visit their family; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32578/07]

The applications referred to by the Deputy were received in the Visa Office, Dublin, on 24 October 2007. They were refused by the Visa Officer on 6 November 2007 for a number of reasons:

1.Financial evidence provided was deemed insufficient or incomplete

2.Obligations to return home were not deemed sufficient

3.It was the opinion of the Visa Officer that the applicants may not observe the conditions of the visa.

The decision of the Visa Officer may be appealed within two months of the date of decision. Guidelines on making an appeal can be found on the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service, www.inis.gov.ie.

Closed Circuit Television Systems.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

563 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 597 of 27 November 2007 the reason for the delay in installing the already agreed closed circuit television network; if a time frame has been set for the system to be installed and operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32587/07]

The Deputy will be aware that the CCTV system referred to in Parliamentary Question No. 597 of 27 November 2007 is one which is proposed to be developed under the Community-based CCTV Scheme, which is designed to support local communities who wish to install CCTV systems in their area in order to enhance public safety and reduce the risk of anti-social and criminal activity.

The group involved applied under the Scheme and its proposal was evaluated by Pobal, which operates the scheme on behalf of my Department, and approved in the normal way. The application was successful and I have announced the award of the grant to the group of €200,000, which comprises €100,000 from my Department and matching RAPID area funding of €100,000 from the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. The grant will enable the group involved to progress the implementation of its proposed CCTV system.

It is now a matter for the group to conclude contracts for the supply of the system, to establish a time frame and to proceed to implement its CCTV system. The overarching aim of the scheme is to empower local groups, in partnership with the local authorities and An Garda Síochána, to develop their own CCTV systems and have ownership of them. As I have indicated previously to the Deputy, full details of the Community-based CCTV Scheme, which includes the approval process for award of the grants, are available on my Department's website (www.justice.ie) or from the Pobal website (www.pobal.ie).

Citizenship Applications.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

564 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for naturalisation and when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal can expect a decision. [32621/07]

An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to was received in the Citizenship section of my Department in October 2007. The application has not yet been examined in detail. Examination of the residency requirement will take place in the near future and the applicant will be contacted at that time advising him of any shortfall in his residency and when further processing of the application will take place.

Dan Neville

Question:

565 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will speed up the processing of an application for Irish citizenship for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; if all the required documentation is in his Departments file; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32623/07]

An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's question was received in the Citizenship section of my Department in August 2006. Officials in that section are currently processing applications received at the beginning of 2005 and have approximately 8,500 applications on hand to be dealt with before that of the person concerned. These are generally dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. It is likely, therefore, that further processing of the application will commence in the first half of 2009. The applicant will be contacted again at that time if further documentation is required. I will inform the Deputy and the person in question when I have reached a decision on the matter.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Dara Calleary

Question:

566 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress of a sewerage scheme (details supplied) in County Mayo; and when his Department will issue approval for the go ahead. [31883/07]

The Achill Sound Sewerage Scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 as a scheme to start construction in 2008. My Department approved Mayo Council's revised Contract Documents and the invitation of tenders for the scheme in May 2007. Further progress on the scheme is a matter for the Council.

Departmental Publications.

Brian Hayes

Question:

567 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department published an annual report in 2007; if not, when his Department plan to publish one; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31928/07]

In line with the Public Service Management Act 1997, my Department publishes a report outlining progress on the implementation of its Statement of Strategy annually. It is intended that the Annual Report for 2007 will be published in Spring 2008. The Department's Annual Report for 2006 was noted by Government in early April 2007 and published in Irish and English shortly thereafter. A copy of that Annual Report is available on the Department's website (www.environ.ie).

Rental Accommodation Scheme.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

568 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on modifying the qualifying criteria for the rental accommodation scheme such that either the requirement to be on social welfare or rent allowance for 18 months will be sufficient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31950/07]

Arthur Morgan

Question:

604 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether the rental accommodation scheme is achieving value for money. [32300/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 568 and 604 together.

The Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) is designed to cater for the accommodation needs of persons in receipt of rent supplement who have a long-term housing need. It is a collaborative project between my Department, local authorities, the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Health Service Executive.

Good progress is being made in meeting the objectives set for the scheme by Government. In particular, it is helping to bring about improvements in the quality and standards of rented accommodation, is enabling local authorities to provide greater social mix and tenant choice, and is helping to reduce dependency on rent supplement.

My Department is constantly monitoring the implementation of RAS and has recently commenced a Value for Money and Policy Review to evaluate its operations in the light of the objectives set for it. This review involves a formal evaluation of the scheme, including the financial arrangements under which it operates, and covers the period September 2005 (when the first transfer of cases took place) to the end of 2007. It is planned that the review will be completed by March 2008.

Following the completion of the review I will look again at the relevant eligibility and qualification criteria. In this respect I should point out that local authorities have discretion in admitting tenants to the scheme who are less than eighteen months on Rent Supplement and have been assessed as having a long-term housing need. In addition, certain homeless persons, who are capable of independent living and have a long-term housing need, are eligible for consideration under the scheme even if they have been less than eighteen months on rent supplement.

Sale of Property.

Mary O'Rourke

Question:

569 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason for the delay in issuing payment to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath. [31956/07]

Contracts in this case have not yet been finalised between the vendor's solicitors and the Chief State Solicitor's Office. Payment will be made promptly once the sale has been completed.

Local Authority Housing.

Michael Ring

Question:

570 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the guidelines in relation to the differential rent scheme operated by local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31982/07]

Michael Ring

Question:

571 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the means disregard guidelines when calculating rent liability under the differential rent scheme for each local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31984/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 570 and 571 together.

The making and amending of rent schemes is the responsibility of local authorities as an integral part of their housing management functions subject to the following broad principles laid down by my Department: the rent payable should be related to income and a smaller proportion of income should be required from low income households; allowances should be made for dependent children including those under 21 years of age in full-time education; a contribution towards rent should be required from subsidiary earners in the household; provision should be included for the acceptance of a lower rent than that required under the terms of the scheme in exceptional cases where payment of the normal rent would give rise to hardship; and appropriate local factors should be taken into account including the costs of the maintenance and management of the stock of rented dwellings and the adequacy of the rental income to meet such costs.

Decisions on whether or not to disregard either a proportion of income or particular sources of income for the purposes of calculating rents are matters for each individual local authority and I have no function in such matters.

Departmental Offices.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

572 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has carried out a study of opening hours of public offices under the control or remit of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32003/07]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

576 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the opening hours of his Department’s public offices and public phone lines and if they close for lunch; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32053/07]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

577 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the opening hours for the public offices and telephone lines and if they close for lunch for each of the agencies and State bodies that are under the control of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32068/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 572, 576 and 577 together.

The following table sets out the opening hours for my Department's public offices and telephone lines and whether they close for lunch or not. No study of the opening hours of public offices under the control or remit of my Department has been carried out. The opening hours of offices of Agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for the Agencies themselves.

Office

Address

Opening Hours

Closed for Lunch (Y/N)

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government HQ

Custom House, Dublin 1

Office:9.15–17.30 Monday to Thursday9.15–17.15 Friday Tel:9.00–18.00 Monday to Friday

No

Irish Life Building, Abbey St., Dublin 1

Office:9.15–17.30 Monday to Thursday9.15–17.15 Friday Tel:9.00–18.00 Monday to Friday

No

Ardcavan Business Park

Ardcavan, Co. Wexford

Office:9.15–17.30 Monday to Thursday9.15–17.15 Friday Tel:9.00–18.00 Monday to Friday

No

Dun Scéine

Harcourt St, Dublin 2

Office:9.15–17.30 Monday to Thursday9.15–17.15 Friday Tel:9.00–18.00. Monday to Friday

No

National Monument Archive Service

6 Upper Ely Place, Dublin 2

Office:10.00–17.00 Mondays only and by appointment only Open on Tuesdays following Bank Holidays Tel: 10.00–13:00 and 14.15–17.00 Monday to Friday

Open through lunch on Mondays

ENFO

South Andrew St., Dublin 2

Office:10.00–17.00 Monday to Saturday Tel:9.00–18.00 Monday to Friday

No

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) HQ

7 Ely Place, Dublin 2

Office:9.15–17.30 Monday to Thursday9.15–17.15 Friday Tel:9.00–18.30 Monday to Friday

No

NPWS Designated Areas Appeals Advisory Board

Office:9.15–17.30 Monday to Thursday9.15–17.15 Friday Tel:9.00 am — 6.00 pm Monday to Friday

No

Office

Address

Opening Hours

Closed for Lunch (Y/N)

NPWS Regional Offices — Northern Division

Ballinafad, Near Boyle, Co. Roscommon

Office:9.00–17.30 Monday to Friday Tel:9.00–17.30 Monday to Friday

No

NPWS, Friarsmill, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath

Office: 09.30–13.00 14.00–17.00 Monday to Friday Tel:9.30–13.00 14.00–17.00 Monday to Friday

Yes

NPWS, Government Buildings, Bellview, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath.

Office:9.30 a.m.–12.30 p.m. 2.00 p.m.–5.00 p.m. Monday to Friday Tel:9.30 a.m.–12.30 p.m. 2.00 p.m.–5.00 p.m Monday to Friday.

Yes

NPWS Moyne District Office, Moyne, Co. Longford.

Office:9.30am–12.30p.m. 2.00pm–5.00 pm Monday to Friday Tel: 9.30am–12.30p.m. 2.00pm–5.00 pm Monday to Friday

Yes

NPWS, Glenveagh National Park, Co. Donegal.

National Park opened all year round except for Christmas Day/St. Stephens Day

No

NPWS, (Administration Offices), Glenveagh National Park, Church Hill, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal.

Office: 8.00 a.m.–4.30 p.m. Monday to Friday (Except Thursday) 8.00 a.m. until 4.00 p.m. (Thursday) Tel: 8.00 a.m.–4.30 p.m. Monday to Friday (Except Thursday) 8.00 a.m. until 4.00 p.m. (Thursday)

No

NPWS, Visitor Services, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal.

Office: 10 00 a.m.–6.00 p.m. (Summer) 9.00 a.m.–5.00 p.m. (Winter) Tel: 10 00 a.m.–6.00 p.m. (Summer) 9.00 a.m.–5.00 p.m. (Winter)

No

Office

Address

Opening Hours

Closed for Lunch (Y/N)

NPWS, Education Centre, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal.

Office:8.00 a.m.–4.30 p.m. Monday to Friday (Except Thursday) 8.00 a.m. until 4.00 p.m. (Thursday) Tel: 8.00 a.m.–4.30 p.m. Monday to Friday (Except Thursday) 8.00 a.m. until 4.00 p.m. (Thursday)

No

NPWS Regional Offices, Southern Division

NPWS, 7 Eastgate Avenue, Eastgate, Little Island, Co. Cork.

Office: 9.00–13.00 14.00–17.00 (Monday to Friday) Tel: 9.00–13.00 14.00–17.00 (Monday to Friday)

Yes

NPWS, Killarney National Park, Co. Kerry.

National Park opened all year round

No

NPWS,Muckross House

October–March — 9.00 a.m. until 5.30 p.m. (Monday to Friday) July/August 2007 — 9.00 a.m. until 7.00 p.m. April/May/June/September — 9.00 a.m. until 6.00 p.m.

No

NPWS Administration Offices

Office: 9.00 a.m.–4.30 p.m. Monday to Friday (Except Wednesday) 9.00 a.m. until 4.00 p.m. (Wednesday) Office: Tel: 9.00 a.m.–4.30 p.m. Monday to Friday (Except Wednesday) 9.00 a.m. until 4.00 p.m. (Wednesday)

No

NPWS Regional Offices Eastern Division

2 Conway Estates, Station Road, Kildare Town, Co. Kerry.

Office:9.00 a.m.–5.30 p.m. (Monday to Friday) Tel: 9.00 a.m.–5.30 p.m. (Monday to Friday)

Yes

NPWS, Unit 4, Navan Enterprise Centre, Trim Road, Navan, Co. Meath.

Office:9.00 a.m.–5.30 p.m. (Monday to Friday) Tel: 9.00 a.m.–5.30 p.m. (Monday to Friday)

Yes

NPWS, Wicklow Mountains National Park, Co. Wicklow.

Easter (March 31st)–End of September — Daily 9.00 a.m.–6.00 p.m.1st October — Easter (March 31st) — Daily 10.00 a.m.–5.00 p.m.

Office

Address

Opening Hours

Closed for Lunch (Y/N)

NPWS,Administration Offices, Wicklow Mountains National Park, Kilafin, Laragh, Co. Wicklow.

Office:10.00 a.m.–5.00 p.m. (Monday to Friday) Tel: 10.00 a.m.–5.00 p.m. (Monday to Friday)

Yes

NPWS,Wexford Wildfowl Reserve, North Slobland, Co. Wexford.

Office:9.00 a.m.–5.00 p.m. (Monday to Friday) Tel: 9.00 a.m.–5.00 p.m. (Monday to Friday)

Yes

NPWS Regional Offices Western Division

3rd Floor, The Plaza Offices, Headford Road, Galway, Co. Galway.

Office:9.15 a.m. –1.00 p.m. 2.15 p.m.–4.30 p.m. Tel: 9.15 a.m.–1.00 p.m. 2.15 p.m.–4.30 p.m.

Yes

Connemara National Park, Co. Galway.

National Park opened all year round.

No

Connemara National Park, Letterfrack, Co. Galway. (Administration Offices)

Office: 8.30 a.m–1.00 pm 1.30 pm.–5.00 p.m. (Monday to Friday) Tel: 8.30 a.m–1.00 pm 1.30 pm.–5.00 p.m. (Monday to Friday)

Yes

NPWS Visitor Centre, Connemara National Park

Office:9.00 a.m.–5.00 p.m. (Winter) 9.00 a.m.– 6.30 p.m. (Summer)

Yes

Ballycroy National Park, Co. Mayo.

National Park opened all year round.

No

Administration Office, Ballycroy National Park, Lagduff Mor, Ballycroy, Westport, Co. Mayo.

Office: 9.00 a.m.–5.00 p.m. (Monday to Friday) Tel: 9.00 a.m.–5.00 p.m. (Monday to Friday)

Yes

Met Eireann HQ

Glasnevin, Dublin 11

Office: 9.15-17.30 Monday — Thursday 9.15–17.15 Friday Tel:9.15–17.30 Monday–Thursday 9.15–17.15 Friday

No

General Forecast Office, Met Eireann

Tel: 24 hours, 7 days a week

No

Ethics Legislation.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

573 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason statutory declarations made by elected officials and senior unelected officials are not displayed on the internet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32013/07]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

574 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the agency or authority that is responsible for ensuring that county councillors make their annual declaration of interest in accordance with the ethics legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32014/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 573 and 574 together.

Under the Local Government Act 2001, responsibility for compliance with the ethics framework in local government rests with each councillor and relevant employee of a local authority. The Act also gives the role of overseeing the operation of the framework to a person in each local authority, known as an Ethics Registrar, assigned for this purpose. The duties of an Ethics Registrar include (a) reminding each councillor and relevant employee annually of their obligations in relation to annual declarations; (b) keeping a public register containing the particulars contained in the declarations provided by councillors and relevant employees; (c) drawing the attention of such persons to any minor errors or omissions in such declarations; (d) bringing the attention of the Cathaoirleach or the Manager of the Council to any possible contravention of the ethics framework with a view to considering what action should be taken.

Under the Act, the public register, which is kept at the offices of the local authority, is available for public inspection and a copy of any entry in it can be obtained on request at a reasonable cost.

The operation and effectiveness of the ethics framework in local government are being kept under review and consideration will be given to appropriate improvements that could be made to it in the context of the commitment in the Programme for Government relating to the reform of local government.

Departmental Correspondence.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

575 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the official forms issued by his Department for use by the public and business which can be completed on-line; the forms which can not; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32038/07]

The following table identifies a wide range of official forms issued by my Department for use by the public and business, and indicates whether each form is available to be completed online or not.

Name of Form

Available to Complete OnLine

Motor Tax

RF 100 — Application for first taxing of a new or imported vehicle

Yes

RF 100B — Application for renewal of motor tax

Yes

RF100A — Motor Tax Renewal

No

RF200 — Motor Tax Transfer of Ownership (vehicle registered pre 1/1/93)

No

RF105 — Motor Tax Transfer of Ownership to a Motor Dealer (vehicle registered post 1/1/93)

No

RF111 — Motor Tax Change of Particulars

No

RF134 — Motor Tax Application for Replacement Documentation

No

Tidy Towns

Tidy Towns Application Form

Yes

Met Eireann

Customer Feedback

Yes

Climate Products Order Form

Yes

Heritage Policy

Form 4 (LA Conservation Grant)

No

Civic 1 (Civic structures Conservation Application)

No

Civic Claim Form

No

Conservation Officer Claim

No

Forms issued to the public under the Tax Incentive Schemes.

HPFI

Application for Certificate of Reasonable Cost. Urban Renewal Scheme No

HPF2

Application for Certificate of ComplianceUrban Renewal Scheme No

LOTS 1

Application for Certificate of Reasonable Cost. Living over the Shop Scheme. No

LOTS 2

Application for Certificate of Compliance Living over the Shop Scheme. No

TR 1

Application for Certificate of Reasonable costTown Renewal Scheme. No

TR 2

Application for Certificate of Compliance Town Renewal Scheme. No

HA2 T

Application for a grant for the Renewal / Repair of Thatching Roofs (of a house) No

MAT 7

Application for Payment of Mortgage Allowance. No

Application Forms for Capital Funding Schemes.

CF 1

Application by approved housing body for a grant under the terms of the Lottery Funds Grant Scheme. No

LSS 1

Application by approved housing body for a loan under the terms of the Capital Loan and Subsidy Scheme. No

CAS 1

Application by approved housing body for a loan under the terms of the Capital Assistance Scheme. No

Floor Area Compliance Certificate Application Form No

Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Mandate No

Customer Service Forms

Current Quality Customer Service Survey 2007

Yes

Feedback Form for Comments or Suggestions on DEHLG Website

Yes

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government Comment Card

No

Environment and Heritage Awareness

Application Form for Local Agenda 21 Partnership Fund

Yes

Enfo Publications Order Form

Yes

National Monuments Section

Application for (Archaeological) Excavation Competency Interview

No

Application for Consent to use a Detection Device

Yes

Application for a Licence to Excavate (archaeological excavation licence)

Yes

Application for a Licence to Dive (on archaeological sites)

Yes

Application for Ministerial Consent (Form NMS 5A –06)

No

Application to transfer an archaeological excavation Licence (archaeological)

No

Application for Ministerial Directions (at an approved road scheme)

No

Application for a Registration Number to Record Archaeological Activities carried out as part of a Ministerial Direction

No

Application for Student Summer Employment in Heritage and Planning Division.

No

New Supplier form (for use on Oracle system)

No

National Parks and Wildlife Service

Deer Open Season

No

To mark or ring wild animals or birds

No

To take or interfere with protected plant species

No

Interfere with or destroy the breeding/resting place of a protected wild animal

No

To hunt over state foreshore

No

To stop serious damage by protected fauna

No

Import live wild animals and birds

No

Export live wild animals and birds

No

Falconry

No

To capture and/or humanely kill protected wild birds

No

To capture and/or humanely kill protected wild animals

No

To take the nests/eggs of wild birds

No

To keep an Injured/disabled wild bird or animal

No

CITES Certificate Application (Article 10)

No

CITES Import/Export/(Re)Export Application

No

Questions Nos. 576 and 577 answered with Question No. 572.

Planning Issues.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

578 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of local area plans in place in local authorities here. [32154/07]

Section 18 (1) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 enables a planning authority, at any time, to prepare a local area plan for any particular area within its functional area.

Section 19 (1) (b) of the Act requires that a local area plan be made in respect of an area which: (i) is designated as a town in the most recent census of population, other than a town designated as a suburb or environs in that census; (ii) has a population in excess of 2000; and (iii) is situated within the functional area of a planning authority, which is a county council.

As Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, I am a statutory consultee in relation to local area plans since March 2007. My Department is currently collecting and collating information on local area plans in place in each planning authority, including the definitive number in place countrywide. The information requested will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

579 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of town plans in place here. [32155/07]

There are fifty four (54) statutory town development plans in place countrywide.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

580 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department have sanctioned new waste water treatment systems for rural once off houses in the countryside where ground conditions are unsuitable for standard accepted septic tanks or raised percolation systems. [32156/07]

I have no function with regard to the approval of particular waste water treatment systems for individual houses in any ground conditions. The suitability or otherwise of any particular system in any particular circumstances is a matter for the relevant local planning authority.

With regard to general standards for waste water treatment systems, clear and comprehensive best practice guidance in regard to Groundwater Protection and the Planning System was issued to all planning authorities by my Department in July 2003. The Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines for Planning Authorities, which issued in April 2005, emphasised the need for adherence to best practice in order to protect water quality. These guidelines were issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 which requires planning authorities to have regard to such guidelines in the performance of their functions.

Septic tanks installed on or after 1 June 1992 must comply with Part H of the Building Regulations which requires septic tanks to be so sited and constructed that they do not pollute, so as to endanger public health, any water (including groundwater) which is used as a source of supply for human consumption. The related Technical Guidance Document H provides guidance on how to comply with Part H. Guidance on septic tank drainage systems for single houses is contained in Irish Standard Recommendations S.R. 6: 1991 for Domestic Effluent Treatment and Disposal from Single Dwellings issued by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI). For septic tanks serving groups of houses, British Standard B.S. 6297: 1983, a Code of Practice for the Design and Installation of Small Sewage Treatment Works, issued by the British Standards Institute applies.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently developing a comprehensive Code of Practice on Waste Water Treatment Systems for Single Houses. The EPA intends to publish the Code of Practice under section 76 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992, and this code will then be cited in the Annex to Technical Guidance Document H of the Building Regulations which is to be revised next year.

Motor Taxation.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

581 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of motor tax paid into Wexford County Council for the past 10 years. [32157/07]

The amount of motor tax, including online tax, driver licence duties and other related charges collected by Wexford County Council for the period 1997 to October 2007 is €234.4 million.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

582 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of social housing units built in County Wexford for the past five years. [32158/07]

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

584 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of units available for the rental accommodation scheme in County Wexford for 2007. [32160/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 582 and 584 together.

It is expected that about 250 housing units will be provided specifically through arrangements with private and voluntary sector landlords under the Rental Accommodation Scheme by the end of 2007. Information on the construction of social housing is published in my Department's Housing Statistics Bulletins, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas library and on my Department's website at www.environ.ie.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

583 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of affordable units built in County Wexford in the past five years. [32159/07]

Information on affordable housing activity up to end June 2007 in each local authority area is available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie. Information is also published in my Department's Housing Statistics Bulletins, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library and on the above-mentioned website.

Question No. 584 answered with QuestionNo. 582.

National Monuments.

Joe Costello

Question:

585 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans for the National Monument of 14, 15, 16 and 17 Moore Street; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32194/07]

While appropriate statutory protection by way of a preservation order has been extended to the buildings in question under the National Monuments Act, 1930, as amended, day-to-day protection and upkeep are primarily the responsibility of the buildings' owners.

My Department is ensuring that the buildings' owners, and the agents preparing proposals for the re-development of the area in which the buildings are located are fully aware of the legal protection extending to the buildings and of their obligations in this regard. My Department is also available to provide any relevant advice sought by the owners or agents on matters relating to the conservation and protection of the buildings.

Some informal discussions have taken place, on a without prejudice basis, between my Department and the agents responsible for preparing the development proposals, with a view to ensuring that they are fully aware of and responsive to the legal requirements attaching to the preservation order. They have also been advised that any proposed works affecting the national monument require my prior written consent. Before giving any such consent I am required to consult with the Director of the National Museum of Ireland.

National Parks.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

586 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, when an undertaken is given in writing by a director of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (details supplied), in relation to activities on land designated special areas of conservation, it is binding on the organisation and its successors. [32211/07]

I understand that the question refers to a statement, in a letter of October 1997 from the Heritage Service (now the National Parks and Wildlife Service) of the then Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, to the effect that there was no desire on the part of the Heritage Service to interfere in the workings of a particular quarry. This statement was not an undertaking, but an assertion of good faith at that time.

Quarrying activities in general are regulated under the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2006. It is the responsibility of any person seeking to carry out or continue development on their land to obey such planning and environmental rules as apply when seeking the relevant permission.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

587 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide the necessary funding to enable Duagh sewerage scheme, County Kerry, to proceed in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32228/07]

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

588 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide the necessary funding to enable Moyvane sewerage scheme, County Kerry, to proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32229/07]

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

590 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide the necessary funding to enable Ballyduff sewerage scheme, County Kerry, to proceed in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32231/07]

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

592 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide the necessary funding to enable Ballylongford sewerage scheme, County Kerry, to proceed in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32233/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 587, 588, 590 and 592 together.

Funding for a Preliminary Assessment of Phase 1 of Kerry County Council's Villages Sewerage Scheme Refurbishment proposals has been approved under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009. Arising from the Preliminary Assessment, Kerry County Council has submitted a proposal to my Department for improving sewerage facilities in 48 villages in three phases. My Department is awaiting additional information from the Council in relation to those locations not currently included in the Water Services Investment Programme, including Ballyduff, Ballylongford, Duagh and Moyvane.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

589 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide the necessary funding to enable Abbeydorney sewerage scheme, County Kerry, to proceed in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32230/07]

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

591 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide the necessary funding to enable Lixnaw sewerage scheme, County Kerry, to proceed in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32232/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 589 and 591 together.

Abbeydorney and Lixnaw are elements of a grouped sewerage scheme to service a number of towns and villages that form a National Spatial Strategy hub. The scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009, to advance through planning, at an estimated cost of €18m. Information is awaited from Kerry County Council to enable my Department to examine the Preliminary Reports for the Abbeydorney and Lixnaw proposals.

Question No. 590 answered with Question No. 587.
Question No. 592 answered with QuestionNo. 587.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

593 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will introduce legislation to allow people who bought their home under the affordable housing scheme to re-mortgage, or to transfer from shared ownership to a full mortgage, without triggering the claw-back. [32312/07]

My Department is examining the feasibility of introducing a set of arrangements under which a local authority would agree to its clawback charge ranking in second place behind a new or topped-up mortgage charge to facilitate re-mortgaging. In the case of shared ownership transactions, the arrangements will ensure that the clawback will not kick-in when a purchaser simply wishes to buy out the local authority's share, while still facilitating its enforcement by the local authority if the purchaser sells the house within the normal 20-year period. The practicalities of any such arrangements will have to be considered in consultation with the local authorities and the lending institutions.

It is likely that any new set of arrangements that may be introduced will require enabling legislation and the requirements in this regard are being considered in the context of the Housing (Miscellaneous) Bill, the drafting of which is currently underway.

Heritage Council.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

594 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there are grants available to a group (details supplied) in County Galway who believe their project comes within the remit of a heritage theme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32329/07]

Paul Connaughton

Question:

601 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there are grants available to a committee (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32457/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 594 and 601 together.

It is unclear what heritage issues arise in relation to the project referred to in the question. The group may wish to make contact with their local authority to discuss possible grant aid for the project and any relevant heritage issues associated with it.

Departmental Records.

Damien English

Question:

595 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way his Department disposes of redundant information technology equipment; if he is satisfied that all stored information has been removed prior to disposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32349/07]

It is policy in my Department for all official information to be stored on the Department's network rather than on the hard drives of individual PCs. All broken IT equipment (mainly Desktop and Laptop PCs and printers) which is not reusable is sent for recycling under the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE directive). My Department requires the company recycling the equipment to furnish a certificate confirming either that all data have been erased from all PC hard drives or, where the hard drives are inoperable, that they have been physically destroyed.

In the case of equipment that is obsolete but not broken, it is the Department's policy to make such equipment available for reuse to schools and staff and to charities specialising in the preparation of equipment for reuse. In the case of equipment supplied to charities, the charity is required to certify that the hard drive has been erased to specific standards. In relation to equipment supplied to schools and staff, the hard drives are repartitioned and fully formatted.

Departmental Staff.

Damien English

Question:

596 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of press officers that are employed in his Department, employed in each agency reporting to his Department, were employed in his Department in 2002 and were employed in each agency reporting to his Department in 2002; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [32364/07]

One Press and Information Officer is currently employed in my Department, as was the case in 2002. Day to day operational matters, including the appointment of Press Officers, in the agencies reporting to my Department are matters for the individual agencies concerned.

Departmental Websites.

Damien English

Question:

597 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if podcasts are available for download by members of the public on websites maintained by his Department and its agencies; if not, his plans to introduce podcasts as a communications tool; if so, the number of times a podcast has been downloaded to date in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32379/07]

Podcasts are not currently used on the websites maintained by my Department and there are no immediate plans to do so. Communications tools are constantly reviewed in the light of technological advances and their suitability for use having regard to the nature of the material to be placed in the public domain. Information on websites of agencies under the aegis of my Department is not held in the Department.

Departmental Properties.

Damien English

Question:

598 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the works or measures that have taken place in 2007 to make his Departmental buildings more environmentally friendly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32394/07]

In accordance with its Environmental Policy Statement, my Department is fully committed to the conservation and effective management of our consumption of resources, including energy, waste, paper, equipment and other consumables. This is a critical element of our ongoing accreditation to ISO 14001, which we achieved for our Headquarters in the Custom House.

My Department promotes conservation measures within the Department on an ongoing basis. Staff are encouraged to avail of all opportunities to reduce wastage within offices. A number of strategies guide our activities in this regard, including prevention and reduction in the amount of waste generated and maximising all opportunities for the re-use and recycling of waste arising. A contract is in place for the collection and recycling of paper and cardboard packaging from my Department's main offices. All paper used within the Department for photocopiers, printers etc is made from 100% post consumer waste based products. In relation to redundant electronic IT equipment, the Department arranges for the reuse of suitable equipment and where this is not possible avails of the take back facilities under the WEEE Regulations for the dismantling and recycling of such equipment. Arrangements are in place in the Custom House under which cans and bottles are collected and recycled by Dublin City Council. There are also arrangements in place for recycling glass and for the safe disposal of batteries. My Department is also availing of the recently introduced brown bin collection scheme being run by Dublin City Council, which provides for the segregation of organic kitchen waste for composting.

As regards energy consumption my Department's policy is to use a number of energy saving devices such as energy efficient lights, powersave function on electrical office equipment and photocopiers with duplex facilities. A Building Energy Management System is in place in the Custom House which is connected to the heating system, enabling more efficient heating management. Thermostatic valves were installed where possible on radiators. As regards water conservation, water efficient spring loaded taps have been installed in the Custom House and water saving devices have been installed in some of the cisterns.

My Department's office in Ballina has participated in a pilot project under the auspices of OPW during 2007 with a view to achieving reductions in energy consumption. At the end of July 2007 a reduction of 3% in electricity consumption had been achieved. It is intended that the lessons learned in the pilot project will be rolled out to all Government Departments shortly and my Department's Headquarters is included in the first phase of the roll out.

My Department has also committed to obtaining its electricity from renewable sources and, following a tender process under the auspices of the OPW, a contract is now in place with Energia for the supply of electricity from renewable sources to the Department's main offices.

Under the Government's decentralisation programme, the bulk of my Department's Dublin based operations are being decentralised to four locations in the South East. In collaboration with the OPW, my Department has set very high environmental specifications for its decentralised offices. It is intended that the new offices will incorporate many of the latest developments in sustainable construction, energy conservation and use of renewable energy sources.

Water Charges.

Martin Ferris

Question:

599 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if primary schools are to have water meters installed and be charged for the use of water. [32444/07]

Article 9.1 of the EU Water Framework Directive requires all Member States to take account of the principle of water services cost recovery, including environmental and resource costs, in accordance with the polluter pays principle. The Directive is being implemented in Ireland in relation to the non-domestic sector, including educational premises, on the basis of recovery of all non-domestic water services costs from non-domestic users of the services by means of a meter based volumetric water charge to ensure charges accord with actual consumption. This requires the installation of water meters in all non-domestic premises, including schools.

Environmental Policy.

Richard Bruton

Question:

600 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to an assessment of the relative environmental impact of glass bottle use versus aluminium cans for beer or soft drinks; his views on the introduction of an incentive to encourage switching; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32455/07]

Policy and legislation on packaging waste, including beverage containers, at European Union and national level, are based on the principles of minimising harm to the environment and maximising the efficient use of resources, and seek to achieve these objectives through the promotion of packaging waste prevention and minimisation, reuse and recycling. The question of which packaging materials (e.g. glass or aluminium), products or packaging systems are environmentally preferable is complex. While life cycle analyses have been undertaken in relation to packaging materials in a number of European countries, Member States are constrained in terms of the measures they can adopt to promote the use of one packaging material type over another.

Article 9 of European Parliament and Council Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste provides that packaging may not be placed on the market within the European Union unless it satisfies the provisions of the Directive i.e. it complies with the essential requirements on the composition and the reusable and recoverable nature of packaging as provided for in Annex II of that Directive. In this regard, Annex II of the Directive explicitly provides that packaging shall be designed, produced and placed on the market in such a way as to permit its reuse or recovery, including recycling and composting. Under article 18 of the Directive, Member States are prohibited from impeding the placing on the market of packaging which satisfies these essential requirements.

Question No. 601 answered with QuestionNo. 594.

Register of Electors.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

602 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether in Ireland, as in other western democracies, it is the norm that the electoral register represents between 80% and 85% of the adult population who are eligible to vote; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32526/07]

In law the preparation of the Register of Electors is a matter for each local registration authority. It is their duty to ensure, as far as possible and with the cooperation of the public, the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the Register. In their work in this area, local authorities do not compile data which would permit specific conclusions to be drawn relating to levels of overall registration for electoral purposes.

In working to compile the Register for 2007/2008, which is currently in force, local authorities undertook and completed the most extensive registration campaign in decades. On the basis of the work undertaken, I am satisfied that local authorities have achieved a significant improvement in the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the Register compared to previous years.

My Department has advised local authorities that the approach this year should be to maintain and build on the progress they have made to date. Looking ahead, the Agreed Programme for Government contains a commitment to establish an independent Electoral Commission. The Commission's responsibilities will include taking charge of the compilation of a new national rolling electoral register.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Beverley Flynn

Question:

603 Deputy Beverley Flynn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding a sewerage scheme application (details supplied); and when it will be approved. [32569/07]

Mayo County Council's application for Serviced Land Initiative funding for sewerage facilities at Ballyheane is being examined in my Department and a response will issue to the Council as quickly as possible.

Question No. 604 answered with QuestionNo. 568.

Fisheries Protection.

Joe McHugh

Question:

605 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of draft net fishermen who have been paid by the Loughs Agency to date; the number of fishermen paid under the drift net scrappage scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32138/07]

The Salmon Hardship Scheme adopted by the Loughs Agency is intended to provide a measure of relief to individuals in line with the level of hardship likely to be experienced on foot of the cessation of fishing for salmon arising from the closure of the interceptory fishery seaward of Lough Foyle and the reduction of commercial licences within the Lough. As a result the number of drift nets in the Foyle Area has reduced from 112 to 18 and draft nets from 50 to 12.

However, the necessary State Aid approval by the European Commission of the Hardship Scheme is still awaited and no payments have been made to date. I discussed the issue with the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development in Northern Ireland recently and we resolved that we would pursue the Commission for an urgent decision.

I am advised that as soon as approval is received, payments will commence.

Departmental Publications.

Brian Hayes

Question:

606 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his Department published an annual report in 2007; if not, when his Department plan to publish one; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31923/07]

The 2006 Annual Report for the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources was published on 3rd October 2007.

Departmental Offices.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

607 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his Department has carried out a study of opening hours of public offices under the control or remit of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31998/07]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

609 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the opening hours of his Department’s public offices and public phone lines and if they close for lunch; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32048/07]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

610 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the opening hours for the public offices and telephone lines and if they close for lunch for each of the agencies and State bodies that are under the control of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32063/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 607, 609 and 610 together.

My Department's offices at Adelaide Road, Leeson Lane, Geological Survey of Ireland Beggars Bush and Cavan are open to the public from 9.15 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Monday to Thursday and from 9.15 a.m. to 5.15 p.m. on Fridays. Following a recent study of the demands on the Department's telephone switch, its times of operation have been extended to 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The public office opening hours and operational time of the telephone switch for the agencies is an operational matter for those agencies in which I have no function.

Departmental Correspondence.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

608 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the official forms issued by his Department for use by the public and business which can be completed on-line; the forms which can not; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32033/07]

I have detailed a list of official forms, for completion by the public and business that are used by the Exploration and Mining Division of the Department. Six of these forms can be accessed on-line the remaining 2 are not currently available on-line but are expected to be in the near future.

For operational reasons my Department does not at present offer an on-line completion facility but work to develop such a facility is under way.

Exploration and Mining Division Forms

Form 1: Application for a prospecting licence

Form 2: Prospecting licence renewal

Form 3: Form of undertaking

Form 4: Prospecting licence surrender

Form 5: Summary of works

Form 6: State Mining Return

Form 7: Statement of qualification

Form 8: Statement of interest

Questions Nos. 609 and 610 answered with Question No. 607.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Michael Ring

Question:

611 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when a project (details supplied) in County Mayo will be sanctioned and awarded grant aid. [32098/07]

Sustainable Energy Ireland's (SEI) Public Sector Programme offers financial support on a restricted basis to public sector and commercial organisations to stimulate the innovative application of more sustainable energy design strategies, technologies and services in new and retrofit projects, acting as both an exemplar for good practice and as a demand leader for the services and technologies involved.

SEI invited applications earlier this year under the Programme for a limited number of demonstration projects suitable as "model solutions".

While the evaluation process has taken longer than originally anticipated SEI expects to conclude same shortly. SEI expects to be corresponding with all applicants and prospective grantees on the outcome of this evaluation process in early December. I have no role in the evaluation process.

Telecommunications Services.

Simon Coveney

Question:

612 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the €435 million allocated in the National Development Plan 2007 to 2013 to the communications and broadband programme refers exclusively to Exchequer funding; if he will provide a breakdown of this figure; if the cost of MANs phases 1 or 2 is included in this figure; if he will provide an indicative estimate of the cost of MANs phase 3; and if this cost is included in this figure. [32099/07]

An indicative €435 million of Exchequer funds has been provided for the Communications and Broadband Programme in the 2007-2013 National Development Plan (NDP). €35 million has been spent to date on broadband initiatives during 2007 including Phase II of the Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) Programme and the National Broadband Scheme (NBS). It is anticipated that the full €435 million will be fully utilised over the lifetime of the NDP. It is not possible at this stage to give a detailed breakdown of the approximately €400 million that remains to be allocated over the period of the Plan. Some of this allocation will be expended in the NBS and commitments under Phase II of the MANs.

My Department is currently undertaking a Value for Money and Policy Review of Phase I of the MANs programme. This review will help to inform decisions on the future allocation of the NDP envelope for broadband infrastructure.

Fisheries Protection.

Pat Breen

Question:

613 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on extending the deadline from 31 December 2007 to 31 May 2008 for fishermen who are considering the hardship fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32121/07]

The closing date for receipt of applications under the Salmon Hardship Scheme was 27 April 2007. Applicants have, however, until the 31 December 2007 to accept any offer under the scheme. This deadline, I believe, provides ample time for those concerned to give the scheme due consideration and accordingly, there are no plans to extend the application deadline.

Telecommunications Services.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

614 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of urban areas with more than 1,000 people without two megabytes of broadband connectivity available. [32167/07]

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

615 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of urban areas with more than 500 people without two megabytes of broadband connectivity available. [32168/07]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 614 and 615 together.

The provision of broadband services is primarily a matter for the private sector. Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg).

There are a number of platforms for delivery of broadband, and service providers are now offering broadband by wireless, satellite, fibre or standard telephone cable in all areas of the country. My Department operates a dedicated website, www.broadband.gov.ie where potential broadband customers can ascertain the availability of services in their area.

ComReg is responsible for the compiling of statistics on broadband uptake. I understand that these statistics are collected on a national basis only. Details are available on www.comreg.ie.

The Central Statistics Office collected data on the uptake of broadband at local authority level in the 2006 census. This information is available at www.cso.ie/census.

Departmental Records.

Damien English

Question:

616 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the way his Department disposes of redundant information technology equipment; if he is satisfied that all stored information has been removed prior to disposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32344/07]

My Department is conscious of both its security and environmental responsibilities when organising the disposal of old information technology equipment.

When a PC is no longer fit for purpose in the Department, the hard drive is wiped using software acquired for this purpose. It overwrites the hard drive multiple times with random patterns thereby eliminating any trace of the original hard drive contents.

Following erasure, PCs are sent to Camara, an Irish charity, who provide a recycling certificate for the equipment. Camara use software to wipe the contents of the hard drive a second time. They then install a new operating system and ship the PC for re-use in schools and colleges in Africa.

Peripheral PC equipment such as printers is disposed of through one of the certified recycling companies.

Departmental Staff.

Damien English

Question:

617 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of press officers that are employed in his Department, employed in each agency reporting to his Department, were employed in his Department in 2002 and were employed in each agency reporting to his Department in 2002; and if he will provide the information in tabular readable form. [32359/07]

There is currently one Press Officer, who is a civil servant, assigned to the Press Office in my Department. I have also appointed one Press Adviser, who is a political appointee.

In 2002 there was one Press Officer, a civil servant, assigned to the Press Office in the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and the then Minister also engaged one political appointee as a Press Adviser.

I have no function in relation to press officer staffing of agencies under the aegis of my Department.

Departmental Websites.

Damien English

Question:

618 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if podcasts are available for download by members of the public on websites maintained by his Department and its agencies; if not, his plans to introduce podcasts as a communications tool; if so, the number of times a podcast has been downloaded to date in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32374/07]

There are no Podcasts currently available for download on the websites of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. I am currently examining the possible introduction of such a facility.

With regard to the agencies under the aegis of my Department, the content of their websites is managed by these agencies and my Department does not have a governance role in this regard.

Departmental Properties.

Damien English

Question:

619 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the works or measures that have taken place in 2007 to make his Departmental buildings more environmentally friendly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32389/07]

The Office of Public Works (OPW) has commissioned a major study, using expert international consultants, on the operation of my Department's buildings on Adelaide Road and Leeson Lane with a view to improving their performance in terms of energy efficiency. The results of that study have been submitted to OPW and this study will help shape development of the office space in both buildings over the coming years.

Following an energy audit carried out in 2006, a programme of installation of power factor correction equipment and other measures has commenced in my Department's Adelaide Road headquarters building. The contractor has guaranteed a minimum level of savings to be achieved from these measures. The project will be monitored closely over the next year, and the results will be made public.

In addition, where routine replacement of equipment, fixtures and fittings, for example, lights, et cetera, is required, they are always replaced with more energy efficient versions of the item concerned.

In the context of the Government's Decentralisation Programme my Department's specification for accommodation in Cavan focuses on energy efficiency and part of our forthcoming discussions with OPW will concentrate on the promotion of passive energy solutions in the new headquarters.

Oil Imports.

Simon Coveney

Question:

620 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the three countries that provided the highest proportions of Ireland’s oil imports in each year since 1998, including 2006; the proportions of Ireland’s oil imports provided by each in each year; if the proportion of Ireland’s oil imports coming from the UK increased dramatically over that period, the reason for same for this trend; and his plans to reverse it. [32430/07]

The following table is a summary of Ireland's oil import sources from 1998 to 2006.

Sources of Ireland's oil Imports (000 Tonnes)

Year

Most Imports

2nd highest

3rd highest

Not specified

Total

1998

UK, 5,242 – 61%

Norway 3,047 – 35%

380

8,669

1999

UK, 6,299 – 67%

Norway 2,707 – 29%

400

9406

2000

UK, 5,762 – 61%

Norway, 2,950 – 31%

France, 311 – 3%

381

9,404

2001

UK, 6,550 – 64%

Norway, 2,897 – 28%

USA, 184 – 2%

648

10,279

2002

UK, 7,237 – 70%

Norway, 2,577 – 25%

USA, 286 – 3%

200

10,300

2003

UK, 6,866 – 67%

Norway 2,646 – 26%

USA, 207 – 2%

538

10,277

2004

UK, 7,196 – 70%

Norway, 2,350 – 23%

USA, 298 – 3%

381

10,225

2005

UK, 6,276 – 65%

Norway, 2,699 – 28%

USA, 305 – 3%

369

9,649

2006

UK, 6,515 – 66%

Norway, 2,954 – 30%

USA, 99 – 1%

371

9,939

The figures indicate there has been no significant increase in imports from the UK between 1998 and 2006.

The Irish oil industry is fully privatised, liberalised and deregulated. In these circumstances the sourcing of oil is a commercial matter for oil companies who import oil into Ireland.

Telecommunications Services.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

621 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if broadband exchanges are to be enabled by Eircom in areas (details supplied) in County Cork to provide broadband access; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32452/07]

I have no function in the matter. The enabling of exchanges by Eircom is a matter for the company. The provision of broadband services is primarily a matter for the private sector infrastructure owners. Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg).

Electricity Generation.

Beverley Flynn

Question:

622 Deputy Beverley Flynn asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the advice available to his Department with regard to the undergrounding of 400 kV power lines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32523/07]

European Union policy seeks to ensure secure and competitively priced electricity markets into the future. Better interconnection between electricity systems is a key aspect of this policy and the White Paper "Delivering a sustainable energy future for Ireland" underlines Ireland's commitment to a more sustainable energy future through a range of measures including increased electricity and gas interconnection.

The Single Electricity Market for Ireland came into effect on 1st November this year. As part of this market development, and to promote competition and better sharing of resources, EirGrid is developing a second North South electricity interconnector. The increased capacity provided by this interconnector is also intended to facilitate fuel savings, lower emissions and increased integration of wind generated energy. In addition to the benefits on an all island basis, EirGrid is strengthening the high voltage network in Counties Meath, Cavan and Monaghan, thereby adding to the availability of bulk high quality power in the North East. Strengthening of the network in this way will greatly improve the electricity infrastructure in these areas and their attractiveness for investment.

The planning and development of these 400kV lines is an operational matter for EirGrid and I have no statutory function in this matter. I have, however, received the following advice from EirGrid on the undergrounding of 400kV power lines:

Internationally, high voltage electricity lines are placed underground only in heavily built up areas. This does not apply in this case and overhead lines are the most technically feasible solution to providing a secure and reliable supply of high voltage electricity to the North East. Overhead lines are also by far the most economic way of transporting power, with underground lines costing between 6 and 10 times as much as standard overhead lines. This is important bearing in mind that electricity networks are financed by all electricity customers. In addition, finding and repairing a fault on an overhead line can usually be done within hours, whereas the same process for an underground line can take weeks if not months to effect. A time delay in repairing a fault in a high voltage power line could cause a lengthy and significant loss of power to a large number of customers.

To the best of EirGrid's knowledge, there is no 400kV Alternating Current (AC) line of the length proposed in these two projects placed underground in any part of the world. Some 97% of the onshore high voltage transmission network in Europe is of high voltage alternating current carried by overhead lines.

In routing overhead lines EirGrid aims to keep as far away from communities and houses as possible, and a minimum clearance of 50 metres is the routing aim.

The possible routes for the two 400kV power lines are currently the subject of public consultation by EirGrid.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

623 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of applications received by Sustainable Energy Ireland in respect of the various types of approved energy conserving methods, including wood pellet and wood chip burners, biomass boilers, solar hot water and central heating systems; and the amount of grant aid approved in respect of each category. [32527/07]

The Greener Homes Scheme has been very successful since its launch in March 2006. There are over 17,000 grant applications approved to date and the sector is now on a firm footing.

A breakdown of the number of applications approved under each category and the value of grant aid approved is shown in the following table:

Technology

Heat Pumps

Biomass

Solar

% of Applications approved

27%

33%

40%

Value of Grant Aid approved

€21.775m

€20.182m

€11.153m

Broadcasting Legislation.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

624 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will raise with the RTÉ Authority the need to cater for the broadcast needs of the Irish community in Britain as raised at the recent meeting of the British-Irish Inter-Parliamentary Body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32529/07]

Section 3 of the Broadcasting (Amendment) Act 2007, enacted and commenced in April of this year, amends RTÉ's public service remit by requiring the national public service broadcaster to provide a television and radio service to Irish communities abroad and stipulating that any such television service must be representative of the existing RTÉ One, RTÉ Two and TG4 channels.

Section 14 of the Broadcasting (Amendment) Act 2007 empowers RTÉ to utilise the public funding it receives in respect of television licence fee income in pursuance of this amended public service remit.

RTÉ's initial focus in fulfilling its new mandate is on ensuring the provision of a television service to Irish communities in Britain.

RTÉ is currently planning the establishment of an international service for such a purpose and has an active group working on the project.

This group is currently reviewing the various options available, including the cost and availability of space on the broadcasting transmission platforms of third parties, and the cost and the acquisition of certain rights associated with the broadcast of programmes outside of Ireland.

On completion of this process RTÉ will outline its specific proposals to meet the mandate set by the Oireachtas under section 3 of the 2007 Act.

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